Manchester United target set for Old Trafford audition this month amid ‘reservations’ about current star

One of Manchester United’s summer transfer targets is set for an audition at Old Trafford this month amid concerns about one of Rúben Amorim’s squad members.

Manchester United are set to prioritise midfield reinforcements this summer as Rúben Amorim looks to solve the team’s ongoing issues in the centre of the pitch.

United have struggled for creativity throughout the season, often failing to break down defences and rarely scoring more than once per game. Their inconsistency at Old Trafford has only added to concerns over midfield control.

January saw multiple loan departures, with Antony joining Real Betis, Marcus Rashford moving to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley heading to Walsall for the remainder of the campaign.

Further changes in midfield are expected at the end of the season. Christian Eriksen is set to leave when his contract expires, while Casemiro is no longer part of Amorim’s long-term plans.

As a result, United are preparing for a significant summer transfer window, targeting midfielders who can bring greater creativity, energy, and tactical discipline to suit Amorim’s style of play.

United target set for Old Trafford audition

Amid United’s poor form in the Premier League leaving them 14th in the domestic table, the club’s only viable route back into the Champions League is through winning the Europa League.

However, a double-legged tie with La Liga side Real Sociedad stands in their way, with the txuri-urdin side set to welcome Amorim’s men to San Sebastian on 6 March before visiting Old Trafford seven days later.

Sociedad’s visit to Old Trafford will allow United fans to get a close-up look at 26-year-old midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is said to be a summer target for the club.

According to GiveMeSport, the player is set to leave Sociedad at the end of the season after rejecting a move to Liverpool last summer, and is valued at £55 million.

Further, it is stated that 23-year-old Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller is also on the club’s radar and that he is valued at £35 million, which may make him a more attainable target.

Zubimendi interest comes amid reservations about Mainoo

The report from GiveMeSport, written by journalist Steve Bates, further emphasises that Amorim is looking to add “more zest and vitality” to his midfield option.

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It is claimed that, at the moment, there are reservations within Carrington surrounding 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo’s suitability to the middle of the pitch, with the player potentially not possessing the pace or stamina to cover the ground needed.

Instead, it’s said that United see Mainoo as a player who would better contribute in a more attacking role, with the England international impressing as an attacking midfielder prior to his current injury.

It’s also added that Amorim wants to add a goal-scoring striker to this squad this summer and that these two types of signings will help his side successfully transition to his style of football.

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