Ruben Amorim wants to fulfil Joao Gomes' wish after Man Utd transfer target sent message

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Ruben Amorim could use Joao Gomes’ dream of playing in the Champions League to bring the Wolves star to Manchester United . Amorim ’s Red Devils are currently enjoying their best spell since the Portuguese head coach took the reins a year ago, having gone five games without defeat in the Premier League .

That puts them in seventh place and within touching distance of a Champions League qualification spot, albeit after just 11 games. But there is certainly a belief brewing at Carrington that United can return to Europe’s elite club competition next year - something Amorim has candidly spoken about in the past as a main objective.

The club hierarchy are prepared to back him in the January transfer window , as they already did by spending over £200million on their forward line and bringing in new No.1 goalkeeper Senne Lammens last summer.

Central midfield is the one area that needs the most urgent attention, with the Red Devils being linked with several names. They include the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliott Anderson , as well as 24-year-old Wolves ace Gomes.

The Brazilian, as first reported in Portugal, is deemed to be a more affordable alternative to the aforementioned duo, and was even hailed as “unbelievable” by compatriot and United star Matheus Cunha.

As previously reported , Gomes has been extensively watched by United bosses over the past 18 months and could be available for around £44m. However, it is believed that any potential deal may have to wait until the summer due to Wolves being in the midst of a relegation battle and agreeing with their new manager not to sell their top players in January.

While that would prove potentially frustrating in the short term, waiting until the end of the season may boost United’s chances of signing the ex-Flamengo star. Should Amorim’s men actually qualify for the Champions League, it would make Old Trafford a far more attractive destination for Gomes.

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The player has made his desire to play Champions League football clear in the past, though with the added fact that he would like to do so for rivals Liverpool . Prior to joining Wolves, Gomes told ESPN Brazil in the summer of 2022: "Liverpool is a team I would play for. I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football."

While sickening to hear for any United fans about his support for their rivals, football moves quickly and a new and improved United with the promise of European football would put them in good stead if they approach Gomes next summer.

And it's something Amorim is keen to achieve. Speaking ahead of last season's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham , the United boss said: "Personally for me, Champions League is more important for everything, to prepare the next season, and we are supposed to be in the Champions League."

For now, the most difficult task for Amorim will be to sustain this form and push on, with plenty of games still left in the season. United host Everton in the Premier League next Monday before a visit to Crystal Palace .

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