Manchester United have been solely focused on transforming their forward line, and while talks continue for Benjamin Šeško, midfield remains a position that needs reinforcements
As the Premier League Summer Series comes to a close and Ruben Amorim gears up for his first full campaign at Old Trafford, Manchester United remain busy in the transfer market, actively pursuing several key additions.
Amorim has made revamping the attack a top priority this summer, with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo indicating that his tactical blueprint is starting to take shape.
With the transfer window entering its final month, United continue to target an experienced centre-forward, a goalkeeper to provide competition for 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 in doubt, and Manuel Ugarte has struggled in pre-season so far, leaving United with gaps still to fill in the middle of the park.
United targeting specific midfield profile
Manchester United are still planning on signing a new midfielder this summer, and as previously reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United were targeting a “secret” move for Joao Palhinha at the start of the window, before passing up the opportunity and opting for a different profile of midfielder.
As reported by TEAMtalk, after giving Tottenham Hotspur a free run to sign Palhinha, United now have three names under consideration before the transfer window comes to a close.
Atalanta star Ederson, Douglas Luiz of Juventus, and Morten Hjulmand, who is reportedly Amorim’s top choice all find themselves on the club’s shortlist.
Hjulmand has been regularly linked as an option for the Reds this summer, and reports suggest that Amorim has been “attempting to bring in Hjulmand behind-the-scenes” as he looks to strengthen his midfield this summer.
Need for a new midfielder is apparent
If one thing could be taken from United’s pre-season so far, it’s the fact that the club desperately need reinforcements in the midfield, something Amorim has already taken note of following their 2-2 draw against Everton.
Ugarte put in a terrible display against the Merseyside outfit, losing the ball cheaply before their opening goal, and despite operating as United defensive midfielder, at Sporting he thrived when he was given the freedom to roam, but that hasn’t been the case at Manchester United.
Casemiro has also looked off the pace this summer, and despite being brilliant in the knockout stages of the Europa League last season, his Premier League performances left much to be desired, and consistent minutes in the league next season look unlikely.
While the need for a new midfielder is there for all to see, Amorim could be repeating the same mistake as Erik ten Hag in bringing in a number of key players from his former side who then went on to under perform at United. With Ugarte’s inconsistency since he arrived last August, Amorim may be hesitant in bringing in another former Sporting player, despite both of them thriving in his system.
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