Manchester United identify ex-Chelsea centre-back as transfer target; Ruben Amorim values his experience and versatility: Reports

Manchester United have set their sights on Barcelona's Andreas Christensen, according to Fichajes. The Red Devils are preparing to welcome their new head coach Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford on November 11, but transfer rumors are already making waves.

The Portuguese was appointed as Erik ten Hag's successor recently. Amorim generally deploys a back-three, which could tempt the Premier League giants to turn to the market for a new central defender.

Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans are all in the final year of their respective contracts and one or more of them could leave in 2025. That would leave Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt as the only senior options in the squad, with Leny Yoro yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

Manchester United have now identified Andreas Christensen as an option to address the issue, as per the aforementioned report. Ruben Amorim is said to be impressed with the player's versatility and experience.

The Danish defender spent eight years in the Premier League with Chelsea, registering 161 appearances, and could hit the ground running on his return. Christensen joined Barcelona in 2022 as a free agent and had a decent run in the team under Xavi.

However, the emergence of Pau Cubarsi may have sealed his fate at Camp Nou. The Dane is currently out with an injury, but has dropped down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.

The player's contract with the LaLiga giants expires in 2026 and they are in no hurry to extend his stay. Barcelona have reportedly informed Manchester United that Christensen will be allowed to leave for €30m.

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When will Leny Yoro make his competitive debut for Manchester United?

Leny Yoro (R)

Manchester United managed a coup over the summer by beating Real Madrid to the services of Leny Yoro. The French defender is one of the rising stars of European football and the Red Devils signed him from Lille for £52m.

Unfortunately, Yoro picked up a foot injury during pre-season and had to undergo surgery. He subsequently missed the start of the season and only returned to first-team training this week.

However, Manchester United are unlikely to rush him back, as he acclimatizes to a new city and a new league. Instead, Yoro could only make his return to action after this month's international break.

Interestingly, Ruben Amorim's first game in charge will be the visit to Portman Road on November 24 to face Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Yoro could be in the match-day squad for that game.