Report: Man United interested in move to sign Newcastle star | OneFootball

Man Utd Consider January Move for Tino Livramento as Squad Planning Sharpens

Manchester United’s January thinking is beginning to take shape, and attention is now turning firmly towards defensive structure rather than firepower. As first reported by Caught Offside, via Give Me Sport, United are showing interest in Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as Ruben Amorim assesses how to evolve his squad midway through his second season in charge.

After an aggressive summer focused on attacking reinforcements, including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, United’s priorities are shifting. The additions of those forwards, alongside goalkeeper Senne Lammens, were designed to address goals and control in the final third. Now the emphasis is balance, particularly in wide defensive areas that underpin Amorim’s system.

Wing-Back Planning Comes Into Focus

According to the report, United are keen to strengthen their wing-back department in January, with Patrick Dorgu a player who “they could be looking to replace”. This points to a broader tactical recalibration rather than a reactionary move. Amorim’s structure demands high energy, positional intelligence and comfort in possession from wide defenders, and recruitment decisions reflect that profile.

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Livramento fits that brief neatly. Although naturally right-sided, his ability to operate on both flanks adds an important layer of flexibility. That adaptability has become increasingly valuable at Old Trafford, where rotation and tactical tweaks are frequent depending on opposition and game state.

Livramento Profile and Tactical Fit

Livramento has already built a strong reputation at Newcastle, combining pace with composure. The England international has been described as “rapid” by Breaking The Lines, and that athleticism aligns well with United’s transitional demands. Crucially, the report notes that he “has been deployed on the left-hand side at times during his career”, underlining why he appeals to Amorim.

However, United are not alone. The same report claims that “the strongest interest, unfortunately for United fans, doesn’t come from them, and instead comes from their rivals Manchester City”. That competitive landscape matters, not only in terms of price but also persuasion, with City able to offer immediate stability and a proven title platform.

Amorim’s Preference for Wrong-Footed Options

One of the defining tactical trends under Amorim has been his preference for wing-backs operating on their non-dominant side. The article highlights that “during his career as a manager, Amorim has often looked to use wing-backs that play on the opposite side to their strong foot”. Diogo Dalot has been used in this way previously, but Amad Diallo’s evolution has been more striking, with the winger now “making the right wing-back role his own in recent months”.

Livramento, while more comfortable on the right, has the technical security to adapt. His versatility would “be incredibly useful for Amorim and ensure that he receives regular minutes at United”, particularly across a congested second half of the season where depth often dictates outcomes.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United fan, this report feels encouraging rather than speculative. Under Amorim, recruitment has started to reflect a clear football identity, and targeting Livramento suggests continuity rather than contradiction. United fans have seen too many windows defined by short-term fixes. This feels more like a move aligned with a system that is finally bedding in.

There is also realism here. Livramento is not a headline-grabbing superstar signing, but he represents something arguably more important, reliability, adaptability and tactical intelligence. In Amorim’s second season, United look less desperate for star names and more focused on functional excellence across the pitch.

The concern, naturally, is Manchester City’s interest. Losing out to a direct rival would sting, especially given United’s need to close structural gaps rather than simply compete commercially. Still, even being in the conversation for a player of Livramento’s calibre suggests United’s recruitment credibility is improving.

For supporters, this report reinforces belief that Amorim knows what he wants and how to build it. If United can convert interest into action, January could be about smart evolution rather than upheaval, and that is a welcome shift in itself.