Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester United’s midfield transfer plans for the summer transfer window.
Manchester United’s need for a midfielder has been well-known for what feels like a decade. The defensive midfield position has often come into question since the current head coach, Michael Carrick, retired in 2016. Every time someone comes close to mastering the role, a manager is sacked, or a player dips in form.
Nemanja Matic took over from Carrick and did well until Mourinho was sacked. Matic was never the same under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, despite his clear ability. Then came Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom clearly preferred playing higher up the field, though. And then, Casemiro.
In his first season, Casemiro was a clear representation of the five-time Champions League-winning reputation he brought with him, but that didn’t continue. He struggled for the rest of the time under Erik ten Hag, and appeared to get worse under Rúben Amorim up until the end of the Portuguese’s time at Old Trafford.
Casemiro is now one of the most consistent players in the side, but has already announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Manuel Ugarte has failed to take the defensive midfield position from him, and could also leave United in the summer window.
United have been linked with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton since the summer, but Fabrizio Romano has now provided a fresh update on the midfield situation, with Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka mentioned.
Romano reveals midfield transfer plans
Leon Goretzka has announced he will leave Bayern at the end of the season on a free transfer, as Casemiro will. United have been linked to the German international, but Romano has now revealed how true United’s interest really is.
“Goretzka will leave Bayern as a free agent in the summer, but Goretzka will have plenty of options,” said the Italian transfer journalist. “My understanding is that Man United will go very big for midfielders in the summer.
“But trust me, very big. They could sign one, maybe two midfielders in the summer transfer window. Casemiro is leaving. And so Man United will go very strong for midfielders. But at the moment, I’m not aware of anything advanced for Goretzka.
“Goretzka will have many options. Atletico wanted him in this January window, and they could be back.
Italian clubs, English clubs, German clubs. So Goretzka will have plenty of possibilities.
“Goretzka will now take his time, will not decide now or next week or in two weeks or in February. Goretzka will wait till the end of the season, then decide his future with several options.”
Romano reveals United’s preferred options
Romano continued to say: “Man United are going on really important options in midfield, probably younger players than Goretzka. And so keep an eye on Man United on midfielders in 2026, because they are really, really going to do something important in midfield.
“In terms of talents, I’m not saying that they are going to sign world superstars, but in terms of talents, I think they will go for important, important talents.” Romano could be referring to the trio of midfielders often mentioned with United: Anderson, Baleba and Wharton.
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“Then we have to wait the manager situation,” said Romano. “And for Goretzka, [there will be] plenty of options.”
Goretzka seems like he won’t be an option for United, but a midfield overhaul looks more than likely, no matter who will lead the Red Devils into the new season.
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