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Ruben Amorim had asked Manchester United co-owner INEOS to sign a new defensive midfielder in the summer. The current season has shown exactly why such a question was asked.
Casemiro, who has regained his mojo under the head coach, is currently one of the first names on the team sheet. Although he has started all but three games this season, he has only completed 90 minutes once.
He is 33 and with his contract expiring this summer, the Red Devils need a long-term replacement. Manuel Ugarte was signed in 2024 with that express goal in mind.
However, the Uruguayan has been a major disappointment and even the arrival of his former Sporting CP boss has not changed his luck. It’s clear United need someone better.
United’s current midfield options are not good enough
The Portuguese tactician had identified Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba as the perfect addition to his system in the summer, but INEOS failed to get the deal over the line.
Since then, the Cameroonian’s form has taken a nosedive. As a result, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson have overtaken Baleba on United’s wish list.
All three are likely to cost in excess of £100m in January as their parent clubs do not want to let go of their stars mid-season, hence the high asking price.
And according to Football insiderThis all but rules out United’s chances of achieving one of their top midfield targets during the winter window.
“There is a long list of midfielders that Manchester United are currently being linked with. We know that center of midfield is a primary position for Ruben Amorim.”
“The likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba are on Amorim’s shortlist but could be priced out in any move. Palace are demanding £100 million to sell Wharton, while both Anderson and Baleba will get a similar price.
The midfield recruitment plan is taking a hit
“They will probably have to wait until next summer, it seems unlikely they can land the top midfield targets in January.
“Being proven in the Premier League is a key factor for Man United at the moment. They want players to come in and start working, like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have done.
“The problem with that is that most Premier League teams will not be willing to let players leave in January unless for a transfer fee that is too high.”
Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher or Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves could be short-term options given their previous performances in the English top flight. Time will tell whether INEOS will go in that direction.
Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images
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