Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is expected to pick Amad Diallo as a wingback next season, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Red Devils have been tracking Braga star Roger Fernandes for several months and he has impressed whilst playing for Portugal at the European Under-21 Championships over the past couple of weeks.

However, speaking to United In Focus, Bailey said that while there is still interest in signing Fernandes, Amad’s positional switch means it is not an area of the pitch that will be prioritised for reinforcements:

“Things have changed at United with their targets indicating Amad will be played as a right wing-back from this point forward, and in that case, I don’t think Fernandes can be seen as a priority.”

“However, United are doing options and still like him, while the fact that he can play in a number of positions also appeals.”

Why has Fernandes been a Man United target?

With the 19-year-old having a release clause worth €40m (£34m) in his contract, it would have been a straightforward deal to negotiate.

Is Amad ready to play at wingback?

The Ivorian started 10 games as part of the back five last season. During those fixtures, he found the back of the net 4 times and provided 4 assists.

Of course, Amad may need to improve on the defensive side of his game but it does demonstrate that he would be a much greater threat than Diogo Dalot going forward. The fullback had the same number of goal involvements (8) in 53 appearances for United last campaign.

In other news, we explain why Man United should consider tabling a swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and an Aston Villa player

Amad will love him: Man Utd preparing bid to sign “eye-catching” £25m star

Amad Diallo is a player who has had to switch up his game over the last couple of months due to the implementation of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian has largely operated in a right wing-back role when fit, having a huge impact on the side and arguably taking his career to the next level as a result.

He managed to register eight goals and six assists in the Premier League last season, potentially having to feature in such a position once again throughout 2025/26.

The addition of Matheus Cunha and the potential signing of Bryan Mbeumo would likely see the pair operate in the number ten positions, which could see Amad drop back into a deeper position.

However, the hierarchy could land numerous targets this summer, with many of which benefiting the former Atalanta star in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been named as a possible addition for the club throughout the current window.

The 32-year-old may be allowed to depart Unai Emery’s side ahead of 2025/26, with the player himself wanting a move, but he could cost in the region of £40m.

However, he’s not the only defensive option currently on their radar, with PSG star Lucas Beraldo a key target for Amorim’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Brazilian centre-back could be allowed to depart the French outfit during the off-season, opening the door to a move to the Red Devils.

It also states that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing a bid for the 21-year-old in the coming days, potentially adding further depth to the backline, but also providing quality elsewhere in the squad.

He could be available for a fee of around £25m, according to reports in France.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Amad

Whilst injuries somewhat plagued his progress throughout last season, Amad managed to produce numerous impressive moments in what was a huge year for the star personally.

He was seen as a squad player by former boss Erik ten Hag, but the arrival of Amorim saw him become a key member of the side, as seen by his assist for Marcus Rashford in the 40-year-old’s first game at the helm.

Other key outings saw him register a hat-trick against Southampton, whilst also netting the winner against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

Undoubtedly, given his setbacks with various injuries, he will be hoping to put a run of games together and replicate his best form in the club’s charge up the table next year.

If he is to be a success, he could be aided by defender Beraldo, who could hold the keys to the Ivorian reaching the next level despite his current defensive role.

When delving into his stats from the previous campaign in Ligue 1, the Brazilian thrived in and out of possession, offering a real top-level talent to Amorim’s side as a result.

Beraldo, who’s been labelled “incredibly eye-catching” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to complete 95% of the passes he attempted last season, 5.9 of which per 90 were progressive – subsequently handing Amad the chance to impress when he receives the ball.

The youngster’s impressive ability on the ball is further reflected by his tally of 7.5 passes into the final third per 90, a figure that puts him in the top 2% of the division – having the ball-playing ability to allow Amad to torment the opposition.

However, the defender has also been a key defensive option for the Parisians, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 along with a 68% aerial success, which could massively bolster the options currently on the books at Old Trafford.