Advertisement

I would be Ruben Amorim's perfect Manchester United signing - but first I am plotting their downfall

Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United
-Credit:Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images


When Manchester United line up against Bournemouth on Sunday, they will do so against one of the most highly rated left-backs in the Premier League.

Hungarian international Milos Kerkez has taken to the English top flight like a duck to water since joining the Cherries from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, and he has a queue of suitors for his potential next move. Liverpool are among the clubs that have been linked with chasing his signature and, so too, have United.

Since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in the United dugout, he has introduced a 3-4-3 formation that served him so well during his time in charge of Sporting CP.

READ MORE: Manchester United's Fans' Footballer of the Year winner crowned - it shows Ruben Amorim's impact

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim claims he has improved Manchester United in five areas as he questions Antony

However, Amorim has rarely been afforded the opportunity to field a natural left-wing-back during that time. Luke Shaw returned briefly before being ruled out for several weeks with another injury while Tyrell Malacia, who was out of action for well over a year, is still on a minutes restriction since returning to the squad.

As such, United have been linked with the likes of Fulham's Antonee Robinson, Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, AC Milan's Theo Hernandez and Benfica's Alvaro Carreras.

And Kerkez has joined that list after being one of the brightest sparks in a Bournemouth side under Andoni Iraola that started the weekend in sixth place in the Premier League.

Right-back Diogo Dalot has had to deputise at left-wing-back during Amorim's brief time in charge but, for everyone's benefit, he needs to be moved back to the right hand side. Kerkez is excellent at both ends of the pitch and would be a perfect fit for Amorim as he looks to strengthen his squad in January or the summer.

Describing his style of play, he said: "Maybe people see how much I go forward and they forget about my defending but the first thing I’m good at is defending, one v one, in the duels. Anything extra is a bonus, because I have the energy to do it, so why not? It is the best thing for us as defenders, to lock down the wingers.”

As such, Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to make a move for the 21-year-old and United will need to move quickly before the opportunity to sign him passes them by.

Kerkez is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2028 and Bournemouth will not part with him cheaply. In the meantime, he will look to extend the gap between Bournemouth and United to six points by helping them to victory at Old Trafford for a second successive season.