Buy one get two, MU fills both wings with a single new signing

MU is preparing to bolster its backline in the January transfer window, with Tino Livramento standing out as a key focus for manager Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United’s January transfer strategy is gradually taking shape, and the current focus is clearly on reinforcing the defensive structure rather than boosting attacking firepower. According to Give Me Sport, MU has shown interest in Newcastle United’s defender Tino Livramento, as coach Ruben Amorim evaluates the squad development in his second mid-season in charge.

After a busy summer reinforcing the attack with signings like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, MU’s priorities are shifting. These offensive recruits, along with goalkeeper Senne Lammens, were brought in to improve scoring ability and control in the final third. Now, the emphasis is on balance, especially strengthening the defensive wings, which are fundamental in Amorim’s system.

Reports indicate MU is eager to enhance its wing-back options in January, with Patrick Dorgu being a player who “could be replaced.” This suggests the move is not a short-term reaction, but a deliberate tactical adjustment. Amorim’s system demands wing-backs with excellent fitness, strong positional awareness, and confident ball skills, and recruitment decisions clearly reflect these criteria.

Livramento fits these requirements almost perfectly. Although naturally a right-back, his ability to play on both sides provides crucial flexibility. This versatility is increasingly valuable at Old Trafford, where rotation and tactical tweaks are frequent depending on the opponent and match situation.

Livramento has quickly established a solid reputation at Newcastle thanks to his pace and composure. The England international is described by Breaking The Lines as “extremely fast,” and his physical qualities align well with Man United’s transition style. More importantly, the report highlights that he “has experience playing on the left wing,” explaining why Amorim has him on his radar.

However, MU is not the only club interested. “The strongest interest, unfortunately for MU fans, comes not from them but from rivals Manchester City.” This intensifies the competition, not just financially but also in terms of persuasion, as City can offer immediate stability and a proven platform for title contention.

One notable tactical trend under Amorim is prioritizing wing-backs who play on the opposite side of their stronger foot. Amorim often deploys left-footed wing-backs.” Diogo Dalot was used in this way, and Amad Diallo’s development is even more impressive, as the winger “has genuinely mastered the right wing-back role in recent months.”

Although Livramento is more comfortable on the right, he possesses the technical skills to adapt. His versatility will be “extremely valuable for Amorim and ensure he gets regular playing time at MU,” especially in the demanding second half of the season where squad depth is often decisive.

For fans, this news reinforces the belief that Amorim knows exactly what he wants and how to build the team. If MU can turn interest into concrete action, January could be a period of smart evolution rather than major upheaval, which is a positive sign in itself.