Manchester United are still keen on signing a new midfielder this summer after Rúben Amorim purchased Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
As pre-season begins and Ruben Amorim gears up for his first full campaign at Old Trafford, Manchester United remain active in the transfer market, still pursuing several key additions.
Revamping the attack has been a central focus for Amorim this summer, with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo signalling the early stages of his vision taking shape.
With the transfer window entering its final month, United are still targeting an experienced centre-forward, a goalkeeper to challenge André Onana, and a defensive midfielder to partner captain Bruno Fernandes.
Midfield depth remains a concern. Christian Eriksen has departed on a free transfer, Casemiro’s future is uncertain, and Manuel Ugarte struggled for consistency last season.
United chasing a midfielder after Šeško
Despite the focus being on the front line, as seen by United’s pursuit of Benjamin Šeško, it also appears that United are considering reinforcing their midfield as their next signing after Šeško, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his Here We Go Podcast, Romano gave an update on the kind of profile of midfielder that the club are reportedly targeting ahead of his first full Premier League campaign.
“I can give you one secret,” Romano explained. “Man United, at the beginning of the window, end of May/start of June, considered the opportunity to go for Joao Palhinha who is Portuguese like Rúben Amorim, he knows the player so well, now Palhinha is going to Tottenham, €30 million loan deal with buy option.
“Man United decided eventually to go for a different player, less holding defensive midfielder, still defensive but with more intensity in their vision. Let’s see what happens and what kind of opportunity is on the market.”
Midfield change could unlock Fernandes
Although he was signed as an attacking midfielder, United captain Fernandes was deployed in a deeper role as part of the midfield pivot for much of last season, as the team adapted to Amorim’s new system.
Going into their pre-season game against West Ham, there were reports that Amorim may tweak his 3-4-2-1 to become a 3-4-1-2, which would have allowed Fernandes to play in a more advanced role where he thrives, acting as the sole no.10 behind Cunha and Mbeumo.
Although that tactical change didn’t ultimately happen, the fact that United is targeting a player with a similar profile to the club captain’s, someone who is less of a defensive midfielder and is comfortable moving the ball forward, is certainly a hint that Amorim could make the change.
Despite pursuing Šeško as their main striker target, there is no guarantee that the Slovenian will sign for the club, as Newcastle United have already submitted an offer close to RB Leipzig’s asking price, meaning Amorim may have to deploy his two new signings as strikers.
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