As a new season starts, Manchester United have failed to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer transfer window, and the fans are left wondering what midfield duo Amorim will pick.
With the rumour mill turning, Manchester United are constantly being linked with some of Europe’s top central midfielders, yet the club has prioritised other positions so far.
The Reds have favoured signing three attackers this transfer window, with Benjamin Šeško being the latest player to arrive at Carrington.
The ability to score goals was a flaw in the United squad last year, and with around £200 million spent so far, the club has hopefully found a solution for that problem.
That said, manager Ruben Amorim and the recruitment team have identified a defensive midfielder as a priority target, and have expressed interest in some of the Premier League’s top players.
However, the answer to the midfield puzzle may be within the squad already, as senior players like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes look to nurture the youngsters of Kobbie Mainoo and Jayce Fitzgerald.
Casemiro and Ugarte should not play together
Despite their vast senior experience and respected reputations, multi-million-pound stars Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are too similar players to be partners in midfield together.
The central midfielders also do not complement each other’s weaknesses, which is a conundrum Amorim has struggled to master during his time in Manchester.
Casemiro is an accomplished player, spectacular on the ball and composed under pressure from some of the world’s best players. However, his physical attributes have decreased drastically since his signing in 2022.
At 33, the Brazilian is likely playing his final season of top-level football at United. Whilst still contributing a great deal, he is not the future of this revolutionary team, unlike Ugarte.
Since his signing under Erik ten Hag in 2024, the Uruguayan has had a troublesome career in Manchester so far, failing to make a big impression last season.
Ugarte lacks ball control, but makes up for it with his tenacity, that said he works well under certain conditions in the United set-up, and that unfortunatley does not come whilst playing with Casemiro.
Amorim must have faith in the young Reds
Bruno Fernandes, the first name on the team sheet, will likely play multiple games in either of the No. 10 positions this year, leaving space for a young, promising talent to fill his boots.
Kobbie Mainoo is expected to play a bigger role this year, as speculation whirls around his adaptation to the Amorim tactical set-up.
With the imminent loan departure of Toby Collyer and the head injury sustained by Sekou Kone earlier this week in a National League Cup game, ruling him out of the start of the season at least, Mainoo’s part in the new season looks increasingly important.
Once Šeško is fully fit and playing alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Fernandes will play deeper. Considering his ever-growing talent and the inconsistencies of Casemiro and Ugarte, Mainoo is certainly the best choice from Amorim’s current options to play alongside the captain.
Amid United changing their stance on a move for Carlos Baleba and reluctantly accepting that they may instead have a better chance at signing the 21-year-old next summer, it feels as if Mainoo and Fernandes could be the way forward for Amorim.
There is scope for young talent Jayce Fitzgerald, who is highly regarded amongst the club, to break through into the senior squad, along with 18-year-old Jacob Devaney, who has been spotted in first team training.
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