Manchester United have managed to bolster their attacking unit this summer but are yet to sign another midfield players for Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim has made his desire to sign a new central midfielder this summer crystal clear to those above him at Manchester United.
The head coach criticised the lack of pace in the middle of the park during the 0-0 friendly against Leeds. He was not subtle and reports explain that he wants an ‘energetic’ option in the middle.
Of course, the attack took priority entering the summer window after the Reds failed miserably in an attacking sense last season.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are now through the door but there remains little noise surrounding a potential midfield signing before the start of the season.
Why United haven’t signed a midfielder
Everyone knows that United need to sell players this summer in order to make new signings but the latest reports suggest that there is a more specific reason to the lack of development in this area.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Reds are prohibited from signing a midfielder due to Casemiro being at the club.
One of the highest-paid players at Old Trafford, United have tried to sell Casemiro through various intermediaries in recent months.
The report added that United would require a fee of £15 million to avoid making a loss on Casemiro under the Premier League’s financial rules, but it was explained that any offers are unlikely.
United have been linked with various midfield options this summer but with no European football, there will not be much game-time to share around.
After spending a lot of money on Manuel Ugarte last term, it seems like United do not want to have someone like Casemiro sitting on the bench for an entire season on his wages.
Amorim might need to get creative
Any exit rumours surrounding Casemiro have gone extremely quiet in recent weeks and it is clear that the Brazilian wants to stay at the club.
His contract at Old Trafford expires next summer and it is unlikely that the Reds extend that deal, meaning that he is set to leave after initially joining from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.
Of course, other exits this summer could open up the space for another midfielder to come in, but there are no guarantees that United will receive enough cash.
Amorim might end up needing to be creative to solve his midfield issues. Whether that be a change in shape (unlikely) or getting more out of existing personnel.
Kobbie Mainoo is one player who could perform much better than he did last season, and if he can start to prove himself in the deeper role, then it could be enough until United can focus on that position next year.
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