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Manchester United are dangerously close to making a massive transfer mishap that could collapse their season entirely and spell the end for Ruben Amorim.
United’s summer window
United’s transfer strategy this summer has centred on reinforcing their forward line, following a 2024/25 season where consistent goalscoring was a significant problem.
The arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have strengthened the squad, with Cunha and Mbeumo making an immediate impression. Sesko appears to still be finding his feet, though early signs hint at considerable future promise.
With less than 48 hours left until the close of the summer window, United’s full attention appears to be on signing a goalkeeper, with Emi Martinez (Aston Villa) and Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp) the leading names on the club’s list.
It is little surprise that United are in the market for a new goalkeeper. Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana have committed blunder after blunder since the season kicked off, and the harsh truth is clear: neither can be trusted as the club’s long-term solution between the sticks.
Yet, while United are busy chasing a new shot-stopper, their apparent neglect of a crucial piece of business could prove extremely detrimental to their success this term – signing a midfielder.
United desperately need a midfielder
Beyond the all too familiar catalogue of costly goalkeeping errors, a more pressing concern has emerged from United’s first four fixtures – the utter lack of control and authority in the middle of the park.
The lack of cohesion in United’s midfield has been evident, with Arsenal, Fulham, Grimsby Town and Burnley all fully capitalising on this vulnerability. It seems inevitable that subsequent opponents will exploit this weakness further.
The club’s offensive build-up predominantly occurs via wide areas through the wing-backs. But this approach is largely ineffective, as it bypasses the midfield and nullifies a proven, promising avenue of attack. Even when they try to play through midfield, United are frequently stifled, making it hard to string passes together and keep the ball moving.
Marco Silva, Fulham’s head coach, acknowledged that targeting United’s midfield was a focal point of his tactival approach at Craven Cottage.
Silva said after the 1-1 draw, “We knew how they defend and we know they like to squeeze from the back five. And if you don’t give bodies for them to squeeze from the back five you can create superiority in the middle.”
“We know they play with two in the middle.”
Alex Iwobi, who registered the assist for Emile Smith Rowe’s equalising strike, reiterated Silva’s remarks. Iwobi explained,I push on higher and get in those pockets. We worked on it in training.”
“We knew that we would be able to get behind their two midfielders, and their three centre-backs immediately jump, so we were able to execute that today.”
Amorim has demonstrated a clear preference for a midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, but they simply don’t work as a pair. Neither demonstrates the discipline needed to control possession and their defensive shortcomings further undermine the partnership.
Then there’s Manuel Ugarte, who hasn’t exactly been a revelation. His ball control leaves something to be desired, and those supposed strengths – covering ground and winning duels – aren’t lighting up the pitch. On the pitch, he can feel more like a challenge than a solution.
Finally, we have Kobbie Mainoo, whom Amorim just doesn’t fancy. The Carrington academy graduate is also believed to be baying for a loan exit before the window closes.
The midfield situation is critical, but with the transfer deadline looming, indications suggest that United will not bring anyone in to fix it.
There have been links to the likes of Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Morten Hjulmand (Sporting Lisbon) and Lucien Agoume (Sevilla), but any of their arrivals are improbable at this stage of the window. A pursuit of Baleba has been postponed until next year, while Palace would never sanction Wharton’s exit this late on. Rumours of Agoume being a target for United have gone cold.
Adrien Rabiot, who came close to joining United in 2022, is available once again but the 20-time English champions have no interest in entering discussions with his representatives.
For all intents and purposes, United aren’t bothering with a midfielder, but that approach carries significant risk. Building a strong team and enjoying a successful season is nearly impossible without a solid presence in midfield. United lack a central player who combines athleticism, ball control, and the ability to dictate play. Without these qualities, United are unlikely to achieve anything meaningful.
Hopefully, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the gang will pull a rabbit out of the hat and sign a midfielder, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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