In preparation for the summer transfer window, Manchester United is intensifying its pursuit of midfielder Joao Palhinha as Erik ten Hag continues the club’s rebuild.

What has changed regarding Joao Palhinha joining Manchester United?
Despite the fact that Palhinha only joined Fulham last summer for a fee of £20 million, Manchester United is reportedly keeping an eye on his situation there, according to The Sun.

The London team is reportedly asking for £60 million, or three times as much, to sign him this summer in an effort to make the most money possible from the Portuguese star.

Given that United spent more on Antony and about the same amount on Casemiro last summer, this fee is unquestionably within their budget, and Ten Hag will be closely monitoring the player.

Joao Palhinha might help Manchester United.
Even though Ten Hag has had a strong start at the Red Devils, he still has a lot to work on and get better before 2023/2024, and reinvigorating his midfield may be something that requires his attention soon.

Of course, the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have both been a breath of fresh air, but given that Fred and Scott McTominay appear to be nearing the end of their time at the club, adding someone like Palhinha to the midfield could only be a good thing for Ten Hag.

The 27-year-old Palhinha was welcomed into the Premier League with high expectations, and he hasn’t let them down.

He is Fulham’s fourth-highest-rated player this season according to Sofascore, and with his three goals, average of 52 touches per game, and astounding 7.8 duels won per game (at a success rate of 61%), it is clear that his all-around skills have helped Fulham, which is why they are currently ranked 10th in the league.

The only player from United in the top 20 is Casemiro, who has made a pitiful 58 tackles so far. The Portuguese sensation has also made the most tackles in the Premier League this season with 105. Despite finding it difficult to get minutes in the top flight, Aaron Wan-Bissaka unexpectedly drops to 166th.

Ten Hag may find great value in Palhinha’s tackling skills, which will enable him to deploy Palhinha a little deeper to take advantage of his skills while allowing other players to advance to aid the attacking players.

Joao-Palhinha-Fulham
He was lauded earlier this year by Sky Sports broadcaster Nubaid Haroon, who said: “Palhinha has 18 legs. He does incredible things, some player, every time I watch him this season.

He hasn’t even reached the halfway point of his first full season in England, and his current form strongly suggests that he could fit in with a team of United’s caliber rather easily.

It may end up being an excellent deal at £60 million.