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Manchester United failed with last ditch attempt to hijack Liverpool deal

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 4:57 PM ET

Manchester United failed with a last-ditch attempt to sign Liverpool star Giovanni Leoni

The 2024/25 season brought us a lot of disappointment. 15th place in the Premier League, losing to Spurs in the Europa League final, and being knocked out of Europe the following year—all of this was enough to weigh on a supporter’s heart. Ruben Amorim took over in the middle of the disastrous season, but things did not change immediately.

The team kept fighting, but victory in decisive games remained elusive. Meanwhile, the club raised hopes in the summer. Big names like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo came in. Also, young Diogo Leon was signed as one for the future. Benjamin Sesko’s arrival was necessary after Rasmus Hojlund’s poor form. These changes made it feel that the club were looking towards the future, and trying to get back to the elite.

Need to strengthen the defence

The importance of defence is crystal clear in Amorim’s system. Last season proved time and again that our defence is lacking the edge to be decisive. We took the lead many times, but conceded goals in the last minutes. Jonny Evans retired this summer, and Victor Lindelof’s contract expired, leaving a clear lack of depth.

Amorim’s system needs defenders who can not only clear the ball but are also good with it by building attacks from the back. Yes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will make the attack better, but the backline needs the right mix of experience and youthful energy. We need players who don’t crumble under pressure. If regeneration is to happen, it will be rooted in a strong defence.

It was heartbreaking to read The Times‘ report. Parma’s teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni was on our radar. Quick, accurate with his passes and comfortable on the ball, he would have fit into Amorim’s tactics, but we made a late move. Liverpool stepped up, and now Leoni is close to signing for the Merseyside club.

Having a chance to win the Premier League and to play in the Champions League is a lure for any youngster, and that might have influenced the Italian’s decision. The 18-year-old’s recent performances may have influenced his decision. Still, this is not the end. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diogo Leon are already there. The focus now must be on defenders who can make an immediate difference—names like Dayot Upamecano or Castello Lukeba come to mind as possible options if United do need to make a move for someone later.

As fans, we know this is not an easy road, but Ruben Amorim has a clear vision. It’s not just about changing players; it’s a process of renewing the soul of the team. We have to be patient. This is the beginning, and we want to see this story end in victory. Meanwhile, United lead the race for Carlos Baleba.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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