Manchester United transfer news: Ruben Amorim midfield boost as La Liga star 'rejects' new deal, wants 'something better'

Manchester United have been boosted in their pursuit of Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra after he rejected a new deal proposed by the La Liga side, the latest report has claimed.

United fans managed to catch a glimpse of new signing Matheus Cunha on Saturday when the club played Leeds United, though the game ended goalless.

Supporters will hope to see attacker Bryan Mbeumo against West Ham United this weekend, though many are still keen for more additions to be made this summer.

There are concerns that the team could be overwhelmed in the middle of the pitch given Casemiro is ageing, and 2024 signing Manuel Ugarte has struggled to settle into life at Old Trafford.

However, Marca report that boss Ruben Amorim could have the chance to bring in Valencia midfielder Guerra, though the Red Devils are said to be just over £1m short of the Spanish club's £23.4m asking price.

Would Guerra fit in at Old Trafford under Amorim?

Guerra is capable of operating as either a defensive midfielder or as a number eight, and he has demonstrated that he can impact play in the final third.

In fact, his tally of three goals and three assists in La Liga meant he ended the campaign with the fourth-highest tally amongst all Valencia players.

The 21-year-old attempted 1,314 passes in 2024-25, the second most of any midfielder at his club, though his pass accuracy of 77.9% was bettered by 11 teammates.

In order to be of benefit to Amorim, the Spaniard would have to improve his retention of the ball, though he could help United pen sides in given no other Valencia player made more than his 11 tackles in the final third last term.

Would Amorim be risking his job by not signing a midfielder?

With the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo now complete, it looks likely that Amorim will opt to deploy Bruno Fernandes in a deeper midfield role.

While the United captain has operated there in the past, he is at his best when used as an attacking midfielder, and it could be risky to ask him to play in a double pivot considering he will be 31 in September.

Guerra's youth and energy may help alleviate Fernandes of some responsibility in the middle of the pitch, but it is not yet clear if he is ready to make the switch to the Premier League.

The failure to sign a midfielder this window could leave United short of options if Fernandes struggles with the demands of playing in a deeper role, but signing the wrong player could also negatively impact the Red Devils' season.

Written by
Lewis Nolan