Man United is one of four Premier League teams interested in signing Joao Palhinha in January, according to Football Transfers.

This winter, the Portuguese midfielder is reportedly available for €58 million (£50 million), and competition for the Fulham star is expected to intensify.

Although he is keen to move to Germany after a summer transfer with Bayern Munich fell through, he may choose to remain in England due to interest from English powerhouses.

Since moving to Fulham last season, Palhinha has developed into one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders. This season, the Portugal international has made 14 appearances for the Cottagers in the first tier, greatly contributing to their rise to 11th place.

The 28-year-old’s game is all about winning the ball and stopping the opposition; he is the epitome of a destroyer. It makes sense why Marcus Bring, a data and video analyst, called him a “defensive monster.”

Ten Hag will be searching for a partner for wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo, who has been praised as “unbelievable” by club legend Roy Keane for performing like an experienced professional despite only being eighteen years old. United is in desperate need of a dominant midfielder who can stop transitions and regain control for the team.

Sofyan Amrabat, his new midfield partner, has had difficulties since relocating to England. Based on statistics from the 2023–24 Premier League season, here is how the Moroccan player compares to Palhinha.

With his long legs to cover territory, make tackles, and intercept passes, the Fulham midfielder is clearly far more dominant in the middle of the field and would be an improvement over the Fiorentina player who is now on loan.

He would be Mainoo’s ideal teammate because he will free up some of the young player’s defensive responsibilities and foster his creativity. Because of their exceptional physicality and athleticism, the pair makes United a formidable opponent, even though they aren’t at the moment.

Palhinha’s only real flaw in his play is that he gets cautioned a lot, which limits his availability. This season, he has already received seven bookings in the league. He doesn’t often get hurt, though, so if he’s not suspended, he should be ready to go right away.

Palhinha would undoubtedly change the Reds Devils midfield and assist Mainoo in becoming a star, as evidenced by the whole picture. As a duo, they fulfill all the requirements for a well-rounded and efficient midfield group, so the switch would be easy to make!