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Manchester United could now join the race to sign a Premier League player who has been described as an "absolute gem" of a footballer.

Amorim backed by former Man Utd player

It's fair to say that Ruben Amorim is feeling the heat as Red Devils manager, not least after the humiliating EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town last month.

Despite this, former United defender Phil Jones has shown his support for the Portuguese, suggesting he still believes he is the right man for the job.

"I’ll tell you where I’m at with Amorim… I like him. I like the transparency he has between the players and the fans - and I think that’s certainly been something we’ve missed over the last few years. I think certain previous managers have missed a trick, because if you’re transparent with this fanbase, they will back you all the way; they will sing your name and cheer for you.

"Look, he came in straight away and said things were going to get worse before they got better, and that’s been the case. I like his authenticity. He is who he is, and he’ll face criticism for it. But he’s not going to change for anyone. He owns it. He inherited a squad which wasn’t his, halfway through a season, who were used to playing a different way. Let’s just give him time."

United are by no means the finished article, and they still need to strengthen certain areas of the squad after a mixed summer transfer window.

Man Utd could join race for Premier League hero

Speaking to The Boot Room, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Manchester United could join the race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, should they secure Champions League football this season.

"Liverpool will be back for him, of course. But they know they’ll be one of many clubs making an offer. Now, with Guehi, it resets everything. Everyone starts at a blank slate. Guehi’s people are aware of the clubs who have already told them they’ll be making an offer next summer - clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid.

"In England, let’s see where Tottenham finish – they love him as a player. Would Chelsea come into the equation on a free transfer? Of course, they would. Man United? If they finish in the top four, of course they do."

Guehi missed out on joining Liverpool on deadline day, despite even passing a medical, so for United to suddenly swoop in and sign him next summer would be significant, pipping their rivals to his signature in the process.

The 25-year-old is a fantastic player who has grown into a key starter for England in the coming years, with coach Michael Beale hailing him during his time working with him at Chelsea as a youngster.

"He shows a huge amount of confidence to play on the left side and his technical upbringing from Chelsea means he can use his left foot, albeit he is dominant on his right foot. When you see the teams line up, he's not the biggest centre-back but he has a huge leap. Quietly people are realising we have an absolute gem in him."

Guehi is out of contract at Palace in 2026, and his anger at not joining Liverpool means he is highly unlikely to sign an extension, so United should be all in on signing him on a free transfer.

That said, Champions League football will surely be needed for the Red Devils to get their man, and in truth, their biggest rivals still feel like the favourites to sign him.