It’s not unreasonable to think that Ruben Amorim’s first full season at Manchester United has been characterized by ups and downs so far.
But after an uneven start, the Red Devils have lost only one of their last seven Premier League games, with Sunday’s come-from-behind win against Crystal Palace proving the team has rekindled their mettle.
However, there is a sense that United lack the depth needed to seriously challenge for the top flight, and INEOS will need to rectify that in January.
After clearing out a lot of attacking deadwood this summer, Jason Wilcox and company are now turning to a new wide forward.
Manchester United looking for new forward
If all goes to plan, Manchester United will be competing in Europe again next season. And if all goes to plan, United will need more options in the final third.
United are well-stocked on the right with Brian Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, but they lack depth on the alternative flank.
That’s why news has emerged that INEOS are interested in Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes, who could be signed this winter.
Barnes, 27, is the focus of a £53m bid from Man United, according to reports in Spain, but Chelsea are rivals for the Old Trafford side.
The left winger’s sharpness in front of goal is seen as a determining factor in United’s interest, with Mbemo the club’s only forward to have scored more than one goal in the Premier League this year.
Why Manchester United want Harvey Barnes
Barnes has not always been a regular starter at St James’ Park, but he is always a threat in the final third and has an athletic, fast-paced style of play.
He will likely add width and danger in support of Patrick Dorg, or to fit in with Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, which could be added there.
Barnes won’t be the most expansive attacking option at Theater of Dreams, but he could form a decent partnership with Mbeumo on the opposite wing.
The £70m summer signing from Brentford has emerged as a talisman for Amorim, scoring five goals in the Premier League this season, including four in his last six games.
Barnes’ own clinical ability would make him a perfect match, especially with players like Bruno Fernandes and a resurgent Mason Mount playing from midfield.
Harvey Barnes’ last five seasons in the PL | ||
|---|---|---|
season | App (launch) | Goal + Assist |
25/26 – NUFC | 13 | 3+0 |
24/25 – NUFC | 33 | 9+5 |
23/24 – NUFC | twenty one | 5+3 |
22/23 – LCFC | 34 | 13+1 |
21/22 – LCFC | 32 | 6+10 |
Statistics via Transfermarkt | ||
Barnes’ slow start to the season has coincided with his overall busy schedule at Newcastle, where he currently has three goals in as many games and four goals in five Champions League games.
The Englishman, who has been linked with a move to the Scottish national team, may not have the dynamism of Matheus Cunha, but he has a rare and invisible instinct in front of goal, and was praised by manager Jurgen Klopp for his “unbelievable” finish.
The growing interest from various fields is indicative of Burns’ qualities. He is now polished and confident in his on-field role and will jump at the chance to facilitate a comeback at Man United.
A veteran with a lot more to do in the Premier League, Barnes will deepen the options at Amorim’s disposal, creating the balance needed to not only regain Champions League qualification but also consistently compete for silver medals.
Mbeumo is establishing himself as one of United’s best and most promising players in recent memory, but his output in the final third has been a bit skewed.
Barnes has been a consistent goalscorer on Tyneside since joining from relegated Leicester City in 2023 and could help solve this problem.
According to FBref, Burns’ play in the final third has been so extraordinary that he ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of non-penalty goals scored per 90 over the past year.
Barnes is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League. You get what you pay for him and that’s a good thing. This adds variety and nuance to Amorim’s outfit, making him the perfect contrasting wide man to pair with Mbeumo as the team looks for further success.
Pogba’s shadow: INEOS signs star who can end Maynou’s stay at Manchester United
Manchester United have acquired a star who can take them to the next level under Ruben Amorim.
