Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are monitoring one of Europe’s most promising central midfielders.
Manchester United appear to be turning the corner under Rúben Amorim in recent weeks. The 2-0 win against Sunderland before the international break seems to have inspired United to three back-to-back victories, including an impressive performance away at Anfield.
The biggest problem at the start of the Premier League season was the midfield situation. Amorim’s midfield two system has caused problems for Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes since Erik ten Hag’s departure, but they have both impressed recently.
Amorim’s tactical tweak – which has seen the wide central defenders step into midfield to close down opposition – has helped the double pivot massively, but improvements can still be made in the coming transfer windows.
Jason Wilcox should be eyeing multiple midfield signings in the next transfer windows, especially considering Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have both been linked with moves away from Old Trafford.
Carlos Baleba continues to be mentioned as an option for United, but his poor start to the season could see the Red Devils pivot to another option. United’s transfer team seem to have a long list for their midfield candidates, but Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the situation.
Romano reveals United are eyeing Stiller
Angelo Stiller has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford since the start of the summer transfer window, but United chose to stay clear of the “reliable”, young German in the off-season. However, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Wilcox could make a move for him in the coming transfer windows.
“Stiller is one of the names on the list,” said Romano for GiveMeSport. The Italian transfer journalist confirmed that United didn’t enter any negotiations for Stiller during the summer transfer window, but are eyeing him as an option for the future.
Stuttgart’s 24-year-old central midfielder is rumoured to have a release clause worth close to £35 million, but this can be bought out for as little as £1.7 million, according to Romano. The German side would likely demand upwards of £45 million if they let Stiller leave the club, and they could ask for more if United want to sign him in January.
Another option on United’s midfield shortlist is Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian appeared close to a move during the summer, but the high price tag led United to stay clear for the time being.
Despite his poor start to the season, Baleba remains on United’s list and could be an option during the summer transfer window, although signing him during the January window may not be a real possibility.
United must focus on height during midfield talks
With Casemiro set to leave the club at the end of the season, United are losing one of the biggest aerial threats in the squad, leaving just Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Šeško and Leny Yoro as tall players in the regular starting lineup.
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United already struggle with set pieces, so losing one of their tallest players could seriously hamper their defensive approach. When signing a new midfielder, United must focus on replacing Casemiro’s height with another tall player.
Angelo Stiller is 6’0, but isn’t known for his physicality, especially in the air. Carlos Baleba is just 5’9, so neither would be a brilliant replacement for Casemiro from set pieces, although they could both be better from open play.
Adam Wharton (6’0) and Elliot Anderson (5’10) have also been linked with United, so Amorim may be looking to sign taller players in other areas of the pitch.
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