Manchester United are eyeing a new defensive midfielder as he is “good value for money” and could be a good squad option for the 2025/26 season
With Rúben Amorim in charge, Manchester United have usually played two deeper midfielders, with one more defensively minded and one as a deep-lying playmaker – Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were the two first-choice options towards the end of the season.
Casemiro began to regain his form from his first season at Old Trafford in the Europa League last season, most notably in his impressive performance in the second leg of the Olympique Lyonnais tie.
The Brazilian midfielder registered two assists and won a penalty in extra time as Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire completed United’s comeback.
Despite Casemiro’s excellence towards the end of the season, at 33 years old, he won’t be able to start for the entirety of Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford; he may only have one or two more years in the Premier League.
Manuel Ugarte’s failure to become the starting defensive midfielder shows Amorim may favour a different profile in midfield, despite managing Ugarte at Sporting CP before his move to PSG.
United eyeing Ndidi transfer
With the uncertainty over Casemiro’s future and Ugarte looking like he may not be the right profile for Amorim’s team, Jason Wilcox and the recruitment team have been searching for more defensive midfield options.
Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi appears to be an option for United as a squad player, that’s according to Ben Jacobs on the United Stand YouTube Channel.
Ndidi was once a target for United under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and it now seems like Wilcox and the United team are considering a potential move for him several years later.
His £9 million relegation release clause represents “good value for money” for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer team, as they look to save money after spending big on Matheus Cunha and potentially on Bryan Mbeumo.
Ndidi could add solidity to United’s midfield in a time of change at the club, as several first-team players are moved on because they don’t suit the new philosophy at the club.
With just the Premier League to play for next season, Amorim could look to sell one of his current defensive midfield options (Casemiro and Ugarte), as both will want to play Champions League football.
Ugarte future in doubt
Many fans thought that Ugarte would become a key player for United when Amorim joined the club, despite his struggles under Erik ten Hag.
However, the Uruguayan has failed to assert himself in the team and some think that he won’t be a United player for long, as Amorim has already sold the midfielder once before.
If Ndidi does join the club, Ugarte could become third-choice in the defensive midfield role, with Toby Collyer and Sekou Kone knocking on the door for first-team minutes next season.
Ugarte could be sold to make room for the youngsters, while bringing in a large fee that could be spent on other areas of need, like a new striker or a goalkeeper.
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