Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, Joao Palhinha and Raphael Guerreiro. (REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth)
Manchester United are preparing for a major summer rebuild after enduring one of the worst seasons in the club’s modern history.
The 2024/25 campaign was nothing short of disastrous — United finished 15th in the Premier League, recording a club-low points total, and suffered further heartbreak by losing the Europa League final.
With a reset desperately needed, the club has already made moves in the transfer market. Matheus Cunha has joined from Wolves, bringing technical flair, versatility, and pressing intensity to the forward line.
Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo looks increasingly likely to arrive from Brentford after scoring 20 goals last season — a potential boost to United’s productivity in wide areas.
However, it’s clear more reinforcements are needed — particularly in midfield, where Casemiro’s age is showing and Manuel Ugarte has failed to convince since his arrival. That’s why United are now pursuing a player who could offer some much-needed steel and leadership in the centre of the park.
United Make Offer for Bayern’s João Palhinha
According to a new report from Caught Offside, Manchester United have made an approach to sign João Palhinha from Bayern Munich, aiming to bring the combative midfielder back to the Premier League.
Palhinha was a standout performer for Fulham before making a high-profile move to Bayern last summer. But things haven’t gone to plan in Germany — the Portuguese international has struggled with injuries and competition for places, making just six Bundesliga starts in 2024/25.
With game time limited, the 30-year-old is now open to a return to England, and United have moved quickly to express their interest.
The report claims the Red Devils have already submitted a loan proposal, though Bayern are pushing for a permanent deal valued between £26 million and £30 million.
United’s need for a midfield enforcer is clear. With Casemiro in decline and Ugarte failing to establish himself, Palhinha could offer the grit, discipline, and leadership that the current squad lacks. His arrival would inject urgency and control into a midfield that has looked increasingly fragile.
Palhinha was heavily admired by his former manager Marco Silva.
“He leads through his attitude. He’s not the most vocal guy and he’s improving his English as well. I want him to be more vocal and in that position it’s important,” Silva said of the Portugal international last year.
“His attitude, his commitment, the way he leads the others around are things that are hard to find in football.”
While a deal is not yet close, United’s offer signals intent — and Palhinha could become a cornerstone of their rebuild if they can agree terms with Bayern.
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