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Manchester United invested over £200 million of their assault this summer season, however their backline stays a trigger for concern. The Purple Devils switched to a back-three in the course of final season following Ruben Amorim’s arrival, but it surely did little to enhance their fortunes.
The English giants completed the marketing campaign sitting fifteenth within the Premier League, having conceded 54 objectives in 38 video games, and registering a -10 objective distinction. For context, Arsenal conceded simply 34 objectives within the league final season, the fewest within the high tier of English soccer.
Whereas United have improved by leaps and bounds following their summer season splurge, they’ve struggled to comprise objectives this season as nicely.
United’s poor defensive file
The Purple Devils are actually seventh within the league desk after 13 video games, three factors behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Amorim has benefitted from the funding in assault, together with his workforce scoring 21 objectives to this point.
Nonetheless, United have additionally conceded 20 occasions already within the Premier League, managing only one clear sheet to this point. League leaders Arsenal, in the meantime, have registered seven clear sheets, letting in simply seven objectives this season.
Whereas United invested within the backline in the summertime of 2024, the scenario warrants additional additions, particularly since Harry Maguire’s contract expires subsequent summer season and he has not signed a brand new deal but.
A latest report relayed by The Peoples Individual states that United are planning to reunite Amorim with Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande in 2026. A recent replace on the matter has now emerged.
Diomande stalling new deal
In response to A Bola, Sporting are wanting to tie Diomande right down to a brand new deal, however the participant is stalling a contract renewal. The Ivorian defender’s contract on the Estadio Jose Alvalade expires on the finish of subsequent season, and United are among the many golf equipment eyeing a cut-price transfer in 2026.
The Portuguese membership are providing Diomande a brand new deal till 2030 that can double his present wages, however have did not persuade the participant amid curiosity from the Premier League.
Crystal Palace failed with a €55 million bid for the 21 yr outdated this summer season, and stay scorching on his heels, whereas Newcastle United are additionally protecting a detailed eye on the defender. Nonetheless, Amorim’s presence at Outdated Trafford might work to the Purple Devils’ benefit within the race.
Diomande has missed fairly a number of video games this season resulting from a muscle harm, however that has not affected the curiosity in his signature to this point.
Ousmane Diomande Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competitors | Appearances | Objectives | Assists | Yellow Playing cards | Purple Playing cards | Minutes Performed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liga Portugal | 4 | – | – | 1 | – | 328′ |
| UEFA Champions League | 3 | – | – | – | – | 190′ |
| Taça de Portugal | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | 90′ |
| Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira | 1 | – | – | 1 | – | 69′ |
| Complete | 9 | – | – | 3 | – | 677′ |
Supply: Transfermarkt.
Diomande reportedly has a €80 million launch clause in his deal, however United can be hoping that they will safe his signature for a lot much less.
Closing Ideas
Diomande appeared 69 occasions beneath Amorim throughout their time collectively on the Estadio Jose Alvalade, and was a key determine in his league-winning workforce. As such, the younger defender can hit the bottom operating with a transfer to the Theatre of Goals.
With Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven additionally in United’s squad, Diomande’s potential arrival might kind out the backline for the following decade.
The Peoples Individual has been one of many world’s main Man United information websites for over a decade. Observe us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
