Ruben Amorim urged to sign £52m Chelsea star for Manchester United

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Ruben Amorim has been told Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku could have a ‘big impact’ at Manchester United.

Amorim took charge of his first game as United manager on Sunday afternoon, the Red Devils drawing 1-1 with newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

The Portuguese’s spell in charge could not have started any better as Manchester United broke the deadlock inside two minutes, Marcus Rashford turning home following a brilliant run from Amad Diallo.

But Ipswich were a constant threat and earned a point through Omari Hutchinson’s deflected strike just before half-time.

Speaking after the stalemate, Amorim said Manchester United would ‘suffer for a long period’ as he tries to implement a new style and increase the confidence of a squad sitting 12th in the Premier League.

The former Sporting Lisbon boss will surely look to the transfer window to bolster his squad and ex-Premier League star Emmanuel Petit has suggested United should poach Nkunku from Chelsea.

Chelsea spent £52m to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 but the Frenchman only made 14 appearances last season due to injury issues.

Nkunku is back fit this term but has only started one Premier League game due to the intense competition at Stamford Bridge.

Reports have suggested the 27-year-old is growing frustrated at Chelsea and Petit believes he would have a ‘big impact’ at Old Trafford if Manchester United secured his signature.

‘Ruben Amorim has a clear philosophy and knows exactly what he wants from his players,’ Petit told Casino Hawks.

”He has an identity and he wants intelligent players – Christopher Nkunku is one of those.

‘In terms of how he links up with strikers and wingers, he could have a big impact at Old Trafford if Chelsea decide to sell.

‘Looking at the dressing room at Manchester United, he could make a big difference.’

Petit also believes Nkunku ‘isn’t being prioritised’ at Chelsea because of incoming signing Estevao Willian.

Chelsea agreed a £29m deal for one of the most highly-rated players in Brazil earlier in the year but Willian will remain at Palmeiras until next summer.

‘Nkunku isn't being prioritised at Chelsea because of who is coming in to play in that position, Estevao Willian,’ Petit added.

‘This is a player who has broken Neymar's records in Brazil and has so much quality despite only being 17.

‘His agent says that everything is clear with the Chelsea board in terms of plans and he'll be playing in the number 10 position next season.

‘Nkunku has done well and has also played well for France, but his injuries have held him back and although Chelsea will be very happy to keep him, he isn't their priority.’

While Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw over the weekend, Chelsea continued their impressive run of form with a 2-1 win over Enzo Maresca’s former club Leicester City.

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