It is no surprise that Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim aimed to reinforce the midfield during the summer transfer window, with the engine room still seen as a priority area in upcoming windows.

Reports have now linked the Red Devils with a potential move for Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga – a signing that would represent one of their most inspired coups in years.

United’s narrow 2-1 win over Chelsea at the weekend once again exposed their lack of control in midfield.

Casemiro’s needless red card underlined the problem, leaving Amorim short of reliable options at the heart of his side.

That has put Camavinga firmly on the radar, with United believed to have “concrete and genuine” interest in the French international.

Why Eduardo Camavinga would be transformative for United

The 22-year-old, capable of operating as a holding midfielder or even at left-back, has found himself in an uncertain position at the Santiago Bernabéu.

With Carlo Ancelotti replaced by Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid’s midfield stacked with Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler, Camavinga’s minutes have dwindled.

An early-season ankle injury has compounded his difficulties, fuelling speculation over his long-term future.

For United, this could be the perfect opportunity. Their last truly game-changing signing came in January 2020 with Bruno Fernandes, who transformed the club’s attacking play.

While recent additions such as Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro have strengthened the squad, none have carried the same weight of instant impact.

Camavinga, with 269 senior appearances already under his belt and a trophy cabinet that includes two Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns and a World Cup final appearance, would.

He would slot seamlessly alongside Fernandes, offering the kind of blend of physicality, tactical intelligence and dynamism that Amorim craves in his midfield.

His ability to dictate tempo while covering defensively could give the Portuguese coach a foundation on which to build a more balanced, competitive side.

The smarter deal compared to Premier League targets

United have also been linked with Premier League midfielders Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.

Both are exciting talents, but with price tags pushing the £100million mark, the deals look steep. If Camavinga is genuinely attainable for a lesser fee, the decision should be a simple one.

At just 22, he represents the rare combination of youth, elite-level experience and world-class pedigree.

For Amorim, the Frenchman could become the cornerstone of a new era at Old Trafford – and perhaps the best signing United have made in half a decade.