Man Utd submit bid to sign “unbelievable” £53m winger

It is not unreasonable to suggest that Ruben Amorim’s first full season at Manchester United has so far been marked by ebbs and flows.

But after an incomplete start, the Red Devils have lost just one of their past seven Premier League matches, and Sunday’s surprise win over Crystal Palace was testament to the team’s renewed spirit.

However, there is a feeling that United lack the depth required to mount a real challenge at the top of the table, and this is something INEOS must look to rectify in January.

After clearing away a lot of attacking deadwood this summer, Jason Wilcox and his teammates are now turning to a new wide striker.

Manchester United is looking for new strikers

If all goes to plan, Manchester United will be competing in Europe again next season. If all goes to plan, United will need more options in the final third.

On the right, United have good access to Brian Mbeumou and Amad Diallo, but there is something of a lack of depth on the alternate flank.

That’s why news has emerged of INEOS’ interest in Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes, who could be available this winter.

Barnes, 27, is the focus of a £53m bid from Manchester United, although Chelsea have rivaled the Old Trafford outfit in their pursuit, Spanish reports say.

The left winger’s sharpness in front of goal is seen as a crucial factor behind United’s interest, with Mbeumo the club’s only striker to have scored more than two goals in the Premier League this year.

Why does Manchester United want Harvey Barnes?

Barnes has not always been a regular at St James’ Park, but he is a constant threat in the final third and has an athletic, quick style of play.

He would add width and threat, perhaps specifically to Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, with support from Patrick Dorgu or a potential addition there.

Barnes won’t be the most expansive attacking option at the Theater of Dreams, but he could form a great partnership with Mbeumo on the other wing.

The £70m summer recruit from Brentford has emerged as a talismanic force for Amorim, having scored five goals in the Premier League this season, including four from his past six matches.

Barnes’ clinical ability would make him a perfect match, especially with the likes of Bruno Fernandes or the rising Mason Mount playing from midfield.

Barnes’ slow start to the current season has been in keeping with Newcastle’s general fatigue, and he has now scored three goals from as many games, with four goals from five in the Champions League too.

Although the Englishman, who has been tipped for a switch to the Scottish national squad, lacks the dynamism of someone like Matthews Cunha, he does have that rare and intangible instinct in front of goal, which has been praised, in fact, for his “incredible” finishing by Jurgen Klopp.

The growing interest from various fields is a representation of Barnes’ quality. He is now polished and comfortable in his role on the pitch, and will likely seize the opportunity to help drive this renaissance at Manchester United.

As a Premier League veteran with a lot to offer, Barnes will create the balance needed – and deepen the options at Amorim’s disposal – to not only regain a place in the Champions League but consistently compete for silverware too.

Mbeumu is establishing himself as one of United’s most promising signings in recent memory, but the result in the final third is somewhat skewed.

Barnes will help fix that, as he has been a consistent goalscorer on Tyneside since joining from relegated Leicester City in 2023.

Barnes is so decisive in the final third that he ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year in terms of goals scored non-penalty kicks per 90, according to FBref.

Barnes is a proven Premier League goalscorer. You get what you pay for with it, and that’s a good thing. This would add variety and nuance to Amorim’s kit, and he would be the perfect contrasting man to pair with Mbeumo as this team strives for more success.

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