Manchester United are expected to offload several senior players this summer in what insiders describe as a “major reshuffle” of the first-team squad.
Ruben Amorim has already begun identifying problem areas within the team, with goalscoring high on the list after another flat attacking performance at the weekend.
Sources close to Carrington suggest United’s recruitment team is working overtime, with a specific focus on wide forwards and creative midfielders.
The club’s current goals-per-game ratio is its lowest in over a decade, and the pressure is mounting to solve the issue before the 2025/26 season kicks off.
Now, attention has turned back to Spain.
Villarreal’s Alex Baena has emerged as a serious target for United’s summer rebuild.
According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos via X, United have officially made contact regarding Alex Baena, joining Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the race for the 23-year-old.
Burgos reports that Atletico are confident of landing Baena ahead of the expanded Club World Cup later this year, but United are said to be quietly confident they can outbid the Spanish club if needed.
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Alex Baena has been on United’s radar before, with interest previously noted in 2023.
This time, however, the interest appears more concrete.
The Spain international has been one of Villarreal’s standout performers this season, registering six goals and eight assists in 27 La Liga appearances, mostly operating from the left wing — the same position Marcus Rashford occupies at United.
With Rashford now expected to leave Old Trafford permanently this summer, Baena’s profile fits perfectly into United’s recruitment plan.
His ability to play wide or as a more central creative presence gives Amorim much-needed flexibility in attack.
The Villarreal man is under contract until 2028 and reportedly has a €60 million release clause, which United would have to meet if negotiations don’t progress quickly.
Baena’s creativity and eye for goal could be exactly what United need to reinvigorate their front line.
With Fernandes often left to carry the creative load alone, the addition of a dynamic wide player who can both score and assist would be a significant upgrade.
While Atletico Madrid remain in the lead for his signature, the race is far from over — and United are watching closely, ready to strike.
El Atleti confía cerrar a Alex Baena antes del Mundial de Clubes.
Ya han contactado con su entorno para mostrar interés en su fichaje. De momento no hay negociaciones oficiales con el Villarreal.
Bayern de Múnich y Manchester United también han preguntado por el jugador. pic.twitter.com/p2f0FzVfLE
— Eduardo Burgos (@edu17burgos) April 23, 2025
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