Man United Want 32 G/A Playmaker ‘As Soon As Possible’ After Europa League Defeat
The dust has barely settled on Manchester United’s painful defeat in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League Final, yet the club’s hierarchy is already moving swiftly to reshape the squad ahead of next season. The loss to Bayer Leverkusen not only denied United a European trophy but also highlighted their attacking inefficiency and creative deficiencies in crucial moments. With Bruno Fernandes often overburdened as the sole creator, the club’s need for another top-tier playmaker has never been more obvious.
According to several reports from England and mainland Europe, Manchester United are now pursuing a dynamic attacking midfielder who registered 32 goal contributions (goals + assists) across all competitions in 2024/25. The message from Old Trafford is clear: they want him “as soon as possible.”
But who is this playmaker? Why does United want him so urgently? And how would he fit into a team desperate to return to the summit of English and European football?
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A Season That Demanded a Change
Under Ruben Amorim — who took charge midway through the season following Erik ten Hag’s departure — United showed glimpses of tactical evolution, but ultimately lacked consistency in the final third. Despite boasting firepower in the form of Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, the team often struggled to break down organized defenses. Much of the creative burden fell on captain Bruno Fernandes, who still produced a commendable 27 G/A in all competitions, but needed more support.
The Europa League final, where United were outplayed in midfield and failed to create meaningful chances, underscored this issue. Amorim, known for his structured tactical approach, now wants a second creative axis — someone who can share the load with Fernandes or take over when he is unavailable.
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The 32 G/A Playmaker: João Neves or Dani Olmo?
Sources close to the club suggest the target in question could be one of two standout playmakers who had extraordinary 2024/25 seasons: João Neves of Benfica or Dani Olmo of RB Leipzig. Both players have drawn praise across Europe for their creativity, positional intelligence, and end product.
Dani Olmo is arguably the likelier of the two. The Spanish international ended his season with 17 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, playing in a variety of attacking roles for Leipzig, including central attacking midfield, winger, and false nine. His ability to operate between the lines, find pockets of space, and deliver decisive final passes makes him an ideal complement to Fernandes.
Furthermore, Olmo’s experience in both the Champions League and at the international level — combined with his familiarity with high-pressing systems — makes him a player who could adapt quickly to Amorim’s style.
His versatility is especially attractive to Manchester United’s football department under the INEOS group, who are focused on players who can thrive in multiple tactical setups. With a release clause of €60 million, Olmo represents a relatively affordable but high-impact addition.
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Why United Want Him ‘As Soon As Possible’
Timing is everything. Manchester United have endured several summers of transfer delays, often waiting too long to finalize key deals and entering pre-season without a settled squad. This has affected preparation, chemistry, and ultimately, results.
This time, the club wants to act early. There are three key reasons for the urgency:
1. Pre-season Integration: Amorim wants his squad as close to complete as possible by the time pre-season training begins in July. This includes ensuring that any key creative player has time to adjust to the Premier League and build chemistry with teammates.
2. Avoiding Bidding Wars: A number of top European clubs, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich, have reportedly shown interest in Olmo. United fear that delaying negotiations could invite competition, driving up the price or scuttling the deal altogether.
3. Setting a Tone: After a disappointing season, United want to send a strong message — to fans, players, and rivals — that they are serious about returning to the top. A marquee early signing would symbolize a new level of ambition under the evolving INEOS-led sporting structure.
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The Fit: How Would He Line Up?
If Dani Olmo is indeed the player in question, his arrival could allow Amorim to switch fluidly between several formations. Here are three potential setups:
1. 4-2-3-1 (Double Playmaker Setup)
CM: Mainoo, Casemiro
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
RW: Olmo
ST: Højlund
LW: Garnacho
In this system, Olmo could play as a wide playmaker on the right, cutting inside to combine with Fernandes and Højlund. This would replicate his Leipzig role and add more fluidity to United’s attacking third.
2. 3-4-2-1 (Amorim’s Preferred System)
Midfield: Fernandes, Olmo (as dual 10s)
Wingbacks: Dalot/Shaw
Pivot: Mainoo + New DM
ST: Højlund
Here, Olmo could operate alongside Fernandes as one of two attacking midfielders behind the striker, exploiting space between the lines and rotating with Bruno to confuse opposition defenses.
3. 4-3-3 (Olmo as Central Playmaker)
Midfield: Mainoo, Fernandes, Olmo
Front Three: Garnacho, Højlund, Rashford
This system would see Olmo drop slightly deeper, orchestrating attacks from central midfield and providing support in transition.
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What It Means for Current Players
Olmo’s arrival (or that of any playmaker with similar output) would not be without repercussions for current players. Donny van de Beek would almost certainly be shown the door, while Mason Mount — who endured a frustrating, injury-hit debut season — could find opportunities even more limited unless his form improves significantly.
Additionally, the pressure would intensify on Marcus Rashford, who struggled to replicate his 2022/23 form. With Garnacho establishing himself and a creative force like Olmo arriving, United’s left flank may be under review.
The move could also hint at a shift in Bruno Fernandes’ role. While still pivotal, he may no longer be the sole creative outlet, giving him more freedom to arrive in goal-scoring positions or manage his workload.
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Final Thoughts: A Statement of Intent
After a season of frustration, near-misses, and another European heartbreak, Manchester United need more than just minor tweaks. They need quality, vision, and a clear shift in mentality. Chasing a 32 G/A playmaker — and doing so with urgency — is a statement of intent.
If they manage to land Dani Olmo or another elite creator quickly, it will signal that the post-Europa League rebuild is not just talk. It will be a crucial first step in restoring the club’s identity and aiming for the domestic and continental dominance that fans have been longing for.
Whether Amorim proves to be the long-term answer in the dugout or not, giving him the tools to succeed is non-negotiable. Securing a wo
rld-class playmaker could be the difference between another season of excuses — and a genuine push for trophies.
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