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Manchester United transfer latest: Is Dutch star the answer to Ruben Amorim's attacking problems in the Premier League?

'Transfer interest': Is Dutch star answer to United's attacking problems?
© Imago
Manchester United could sign a Dutch star to help increase their productivity in the final third, with boss Ruben Amorim struggling to get the best out of his players.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in the signature of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons, with the club having failed to impress in the final third under Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils emerged as 3-0 winners against Leicester City last Sunday, though the three points did little for their league position given they are currently in 13th place with just 37 points.

One of the reasons for the team's poor form this season has been their displays in the final third, with their return of 37 goals making them the seventh worst offensive side in the division.

Wingers Marcus Rashford and Antony were both sent out on loan in the January transfer window, and Amorim will need to reinforce in attack if he is to guide his team back into the top four next term.

Goal.com claim that United have long held interest in Leipzig attacker Simons, but they will have to spend in the region of £42m to sign the Dutchman.

RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons on March 8, 2025© Imago

Is Simons the answer?

Simons has often played in a more supportive role behind striker Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, but he is capable of operating across the forward line.

The 21-year-old excels in small spaces and looks to play forward, and he has in fact made the most key passes (41), the most passes into the penalty area (40) and the most progressive passes (102) of any Leipzig player in the Bundesliga this season.

Simons could fit well into Amorim's forward line given the Portuguese coach frequently deploys two attacking midfielders behind a central striker, and perhaps Simons would be able to play alongside Bruno Fernandes.

However, it should be noted that the Dutch playmaker has taken a set back in terms of creativity in 2024-25, with his tally of four assists in the Bundesliga seven fewer than he managed last term.

Netherlands' Xavi Simons reacts on June 21, 2024 [IMAGO]© Imago

Where can United get more goals from?

Simons has never been a prolific goalscorer himself considering he has only found the back of the net 15 times in 50 league appearances for Leipzig.

Even if he was to scale his creative numbers at United, the team would still arguably be lacking in a number of areas, including up front.

Rasmus Hojlund scored against Leicester but the strike was just his third Premier League goal of the season, while fellow forward Joshua Zirkzee has only managed to score three himself.

In order to maximise Simons, Amorim will likely need to sign an additional goalscoring forward, but it remains to be seen if the club can afford to sign two starters in attack.

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Written by
Lewis Nolan

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