Manchester United’s transfer strategy has raised alarm bells over a potential rift between manager Ruben Amorim and the club’s board, as the Red Devils are reportedly chasing Crystal Palace’s attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, a player Amorim does not want.
On June 27, 2025, sources revealed that United’s hierarchy, led by CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox, is pushing for a £60-70 million move for the 24-year-old, despite Amorim’s clear reservations about his fit in the team’s 3-4-2-1 system. The pursuit has reignited fears of a lack of alignment at Old Trafford, threatening the club’s rebuild under the Portuguese manager.
Eze, who dazzled with 11 goals and six assists in 31 Premier League games last season, is viewed by the board as a marquee addition to bolster United’s attack after a disappointing 15th-place finish and a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
His 92 dribbles and 67 key passes highlight his flair, but Amorim reportedly favors a more disciplined playmaker, like Sporting CP’s Pedro Gonçalves, to complement recent signings Viktor Gyökeres (£110m) and Matheus Cunha (£62.5m).
Insiders claim Eze’s free-spirited style clashes with Amorim’s high-pressing, structured approach, which demands relentless running and tactical discipline, as emphasized in his comments after a 2-2 draw at Liverpool in January 2025.
The board’s push for Eze, driven by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s preference for proven Premier League talent, echoes tensions from February 2025, when Amorim briefly considered resigning over frustrations with the squad and club operations.
Despite assurances of alignment on transfer targets, the Eze pursuit suggests a disconnect, with fans voicing concerns on social media. One supporter posted, “Amorim needs players who fit his system, not board vanity signings.” Another warned, “Forcing Eze on him could cost us Ruben.”
United’s financial flexibility, boosted by Alejandro Garnacho’s £50 million move to Napoli and Marcus Rashford’s loan to Aston Villa, allows for big spending, but a £10 million Adidas penalty for missing Champions League football adds pressure.
Amorim, who offered to leave without compensation after the Europa League final, has stressed the need for specific signings to address gaps, not headline-grabbing names.
The Eze saga risks undermining his authority, raising fears that United could repeat past mistakes of mismatched transfers, jeopardling further uncertainty as they aim to restore their Premier League and European dominance.
