Manchester United look set to face disappointment before the summer transfer window begins at the end of the season.
Manchester United’s need for a new central midfielder is growing by the day. In truth, Director of Football Jason Wilcox will likely have to sign more than one player for the engine room, if not even three new additions.
Casemiro’s departure, which was announced in the January window, is the biggest hole in United’s midfield. The Brazilian has made 25 appearances for the club this season, under three different managers, despite struggling to impress for the majority of last season.
Manuel Ugarte could also be looking at a summer move away from Old Trafford. The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, who also played under Rúben Amorim at Sporting CP, has struggled for the entirety of his Manchester United career. A change of scenery may be best for the player and for the club.
With Bruno Fernandes moving back to his natural No.10 position, United may also need to sign a competitor or backup for Kobbie Mainoo. He is currently the only creative midfielder who can play in a deeper midfield position.
United suffer early midfield disappointment
Before he signed for Juventus, Kephren Thuram was a known midfield target for United, and he remains one to this day.
TeamTALK have reported Liverpool also have Thuram “high on their radars”, but Thuram now looks destined to stay in Italy.
In an attempt to keep the Frenchman, Juventus have accelerated negotiations and are now closing in on a deal to keep Thuram at the club long-term.
It is believed that Kenan Yildiz’s recent contract extension may have persuaded Thuram to stay at the club, as Juventus’ ambitions have been made clear.
United must now turn their attentions to alternative targets, perhaps even the big three they were exploring earlier in the season.
United must revisit midfield targets
With Thuram not looking like a real option, United could revisit their three midfield targets from earlier in the season: Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
Sandro Tonali has been a known target in recent weeks, with recent reports stating that he could have his “sights set on” Manchester United.
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With Casemiro leaving, United must sign at least one high-profile defensive midfielder, perhaps one of the four already named, and another option to replace Ugarte.
Thuram would’ve been a brilliant midfielder for United, but he would be another high-profile signing. Wilcox must begin the search for lesser-known targets who won’t cost close to, or even above, the £100 million mark.
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