In an exciting penalty shootout, Portugal defeated Spain to claim their second UEFA Nations League title. While his teammates celebrated the victory with excitement, one man remained quiet—Palhinha. The former Premier League star, who once shone brightly in the English top flight, has lost his starting spot at both Bayern Munich and the Portuguese national team, leaving him in a complicated emotional state.
According to British Mirror reporter Scott Trotter, Bayern have placed Palhinha on their transfer list, and he no longer features in new manager Kompany’s plans. However, bad luck doesn’t stick to one person forever, as Manchester United are keeping a close eye on this Portuguese midfielder. While the Red Devils’ primary transfer targets are currently focused on attacking players, they are well aware of the serious issues in their midfield, and Palhinha could be the perfect solution to fill that void.
This isn’t a flashy big-name signing, but it could be a crucial step for Manchester United to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season. Let’s take a closer look at why Palhinha is worth considering for Manchester United.
I. How big is the gap behind Ugarte?
Manchester United’s current starting defensive midfielder is Ugarte, a Uruguayan player who made a strong impression upon his arrival, particularly in terms of tackling and intercepting. However, his weaknesses have begun to surface after a few matches.
For example, in the FA Cup match against Leicester City, he made a backpass error that directly led to a goal; against stronger teams, his pass completion rate often drops below 80%, which is highly risky in high-level competitions. In other words, he is not the type of player who can both defend and organize attacks.
Worse still, Ugarte has almost no reliable substitutes. Casemiro is getting older and his form has declined significantly; young prospect Meno, while promising, is better suited to a central midfield or wing role; and another rising star, Collier, is frequently injured and unable to play consistently. In this situation, Bruno Fernandes might even be asked to play as a defensive midfielder, which is clearly not the ideal solution.
Therefore, Manchester United needs a defensive midfielder who can truly protect the defense and reduce the burden on Ugarte. At this point, Palhinha emerges as a viable option.
II. How good is Palhinha?
Palhinha is 190 cm tall, physically strong, and aggressive in tackling, making him a typical defensive midfielder.During his two seasons at Fulham (2022-23 and 2023-24), he won the Premier League tackle award twice and was consistently among the top players in the interception rankings.
Looking at the specific data, he completed a total of 297 tackles and 93 interceptions in those two years, making him one of the most feared “destroyers” in the Premier League.He doesn’t prioritize ball possession or forward passes; he’s solely focused on one thing: taking the ball away from the opposition.
This style may seem simple, but it’s highly practical for a team with an unstable defense and a midfield lacking in physicality. If Manchester United signs him, he could form a “double insurance” setup with Ugarte, providing greater midfield stability.
III. Does he fit Amo’s tactical system?
Current Manchester United manager Amo has a clear preference for defensive midfielders, a trait evident throughout his coaching career. During his time at Sporting CP, he frequently deployed the defensive-minded duo of Yurman and Shuto as holding midfielders, allowing the wing-backs to push forward without worrying about leaving space behind.
If Bruno Fernandes is indeed deployed as a defensive midfielder next season, a pure defensive partner would be essential. Palhinha fits this role perfectly. He doesn’t require much possession and doesn’t attempt to get involved in attacks. As long as his tasks are clear, he can execute them effectively.
Additionally, Palhinha is a former player under Amoim. The two worked together for three seasons at Braga and Sporting CP, and they know each other very well. Although Ugarte was the first-choice player at the time, Palhinha is familiar with Amoim’s tactical philosophy.
This also means that once he joins Manchester United, he can adapt to the team’s style of play more quickly, reducing the time needed for integration. This is a significant advantage for a team eager to rebuild.
IV. Why is he considered a “high-value” option?
Palliniya is currently struggling at Bayern Munich. He joined the Bundesliga giants for 51 million euros at the start of the year, but throughout the season, he has only started 13 league matches and has seen limited playing time. Due to poor performances and not fitting into the new coach’s tactical requirements, he is no longer part of the team’s future plans.
In this situation, Manchester United would likely be able to secure his services at a reasonable price. According to media speculation, around 30 million euros could be enough to sign this defensive midfielder who has been proven in the Premier League.
It’s worth noting that Manchester United spent 60 million euros to sign Ugarte. In comparison, signing a more experienced and consistent player for less than half the price is clearly a wise investment.
Moreover, with the tightening of financial fair play regulations, clubs are controlling their spending. While Manchester United is investing heavily in signing forwards, they also need to be prudent in other areas. Palhinha is a practical and cost-effective option.
V. Of course, this deal also carries risks
Firstly, Palhinha is about to turn 30. For a physically demanding defensive midfielder, age could lead to slower reaction times and reduced stamina. This slightly conflicts with Manchester United’s recent emphasis on a “youth-oriented” squad building strategy.
Second, Palhinha himself hopes to prove himself at Bayern Munich rather than moving directly to another club as a backup. Whether Manchester United can convince him to accept a rotational role remains to be seen.
Finally, even if he joins Manchester United, he will face intense competition. Ugarte remains the first-choice midfielder, and Manchester United may continue to sign other midfielders. Maintaining his form with limited playing time will be a key challenge for Palhinha.
VI. Conclusion: Buying the right player is more important than buying an expensive player
The fact that Palhinha was put on the transfer list by Bayern does not mean that he is not good enough, but rather that he does not fit into Kompany’s tactical system. Just like Mazraoui, leaving Bayern does not mean failure, but rather a new beginning.
For Manchester United, what they need most right now is not another technically gifted but defensively weak midfielder, but a “rock-solid” player who can truly help the team defend and improve overall defensive quality. Palhinha may not score beautiful goals, but every all-out tackle and every crucial clearance he makes can give the team more chances to win.
In this unpredictable transfer market, finding a defensive midfielder who is familiar with the Premier League, experienced, and reasonably priced is no easy task. Palhinha is precisely such a “plug-and-play” option.
Perhaps this former Premier League star will rediscover his former glory with the help of his former club and former coach. For Manchester United fans, a defensive specialist who can hold his own in midfield is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated new signings.
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