Manchester United are reportedly considering a January move for Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, with sources indicating the American international has emerged as a potential target to bolster their midfield. The Red Devils' interest in Adams comes as they look to strengthen what has been perceived as a weak spot in their squad.
Adams, who joined Bournemouth, has quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to win aerial duels. According to FotMob, Adams ranks in the 86th percentile among midfielders for defensive actions and the 62nd percentile in aerial duels. His qualities align with what United are seeking in a midfielder, and he is viewed as a potentially more attainable option compared to other targets like Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton's Carlos Baleba, whose hefty price tags could prove to be a stumbling block.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are monitoring Adams, although he is just one of several players on the club's radar. United have a list of top transfer targets, including players like Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Wharton, who are considered more difficult to sign. Adams falls into a secondary category of potential options, but securing him in the January window would not be straightforward.
Bournemouth reportedly views Adams as a really important player and are keen to keep him, especially given the Semenyo situation in January. Any move is far from guaranteed this January.
Adams' admiration for playing at Old Trafford is well-known. He has spoken fondly of his experience playing there with RB Leipzig, stating that it solidified his dream of playing in the Premier League. "I played against Manchester United at Old Trafford during COVID with RB Leipzig. That was the first time I walked into Old Trafford and I was like, my dream is really to play in the Premier League because this is what it's about right here," Adams said. "Now being able to go back and play there multiple times and have good results, especially makes it a little bit better. So yeah, I always get excited to play against United".
A potential arrival of Adams at Manchester United could have implications for current players, potentially pushing academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo closer to the exit door. The 20-year-old has reportedly struggled for game time and has not started a single Premier League game this season.
However, questions remain about whether January is the right moment for Adams to move. He is currently in the midst of a strong campaign with Bournemouth, and a move to a club with intense scrutiny and lofty expectations carries risk. Despite this, the opportunity to play for Manchester United may be too significant to pass up.
Should Adams make the switch to Old Trafford, he would become the first USMNT player to represent Manchester United since Tim Howard's departure in 2007.
