This summer, Man United intends to make significant roster changes, and the midfield will need a lot of care and attention.
It will only be one week from now until Manchester United’s summer transfer market opens.
One of the most significant windows the club has experienced in recent memory is expected to open this summer. Many adjustments are anticipated to be made in the wake of the Ineos Group’s entrance in order to get ready for the 2024–2025 campaign.
United needs to start making the long-overdue adjustments on the field after doing so in the boardroom. Earlier this week, the Reds revealed their retained list, which confirmed a few departures, including Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial.
Over the next few weeks, further departures are anticipated—so many that they may reach double digits. In order to stay within the parameters of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability criteria [PSR], United must raise money through player sales.
Every department of the team, particularly the midfield division, is anticipated to be closely examined. The engine room will probably be buzzing with transfer activity, and MEN Sport has closely examined the number of moves that could need to be made in order to restore that area of the team.
Outgoings:
With no midfielders out-of-contract at Old Trafford this summer, United’s hopes of clearing the decks in that area rest on sales and loans. The Reds need to raise funds this summer and have midfielders within their ranks who should command respectable fees.
Even though Casemiro had a stellar rookie season at the club, he began to regress alarmingly in 2023–2024 and needs to move on. Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian club, is said to be considering a sizable bid and has expressed interest.
However, Scott McTominay is a marketable asset. There should be no shortage of interest in him because he scored ten goals in the most recent campaign, which raised his price. Even though his objectives were worthwhile, United needed to raise funds, and since he was an academy graduate, every dollar gained from selling him would be considered pure profit.
It’s also necessary for Christian Eriksen to move on before the last 12 months of his contract. A steady performer for the majority of his time at Old Trafford, his departure would allow United to bring in new blood for the engine room.
Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri, two returning loanees, are no longer needed. Neither did enough to persuade their respective loan clubs to make a move, despite the fact that Sevilla and Eintracht Frankfurt had options to sign them on permanent contracts.
Incomings:
Starting with the defensive side of the midfield operation, Casemiro’s anticipated exit would leave United without a recognised defensive-midfielder. Sofyan Amrabat, unless the club chooses to sign him permanently, will return to Fiorentina, leaving the Reds with a vacant hole to fill at the base of the engine room.
The importance of having two players in each position cannot be understated, meaning one defensive-midfield import would not be enough. United have been heavily linked with Benfica’s Joao Neves and are understood to have been monitoring Everton ace Amadou Onana.
As far as the box-to-box/No.8 roles are concerned, United have a guaranteed starter in Kobbie Mainoo, plus Mason Mount, who will be desperate to make up for lost time following an injury-hit debut season in M16. Provided United stick with a 4-3-3 system, Mainoo is likely to be joined in the engine room by a new defensive-midfielder and Bruno Fernandes, with each member of that trio bring different qualities to complete a balanced system.
Nonetheless, United runs the risk of being short-staffed in the event of an injury with just two No. 8s on board. Many players who may improve that area have been connected to them, such as Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco, who may be available for less due to his contract status.
Regarding the attacking-midfield position, Fernandes ought to be kept on as the primary architect at all costs. But in that capacity, United is unprepared. The Reds’ ability to bolster that area much more will depend on their financial situation, but Mount can also push up and play as a No. 10. It would not be unwise to add a backup attacking-midfield player, though.
How the midfield could look
If United offloaded five midfielders and drafted in four to improve the overall level of quality and balance they would be well set. The biggest key to rebuilding their midfield is buying players with room for growth and development.
United started the process of lowering the average age of their midfield last summer by signing Mount, but they need to go a couple of steps further this time around. They need someone who could become a long-term lieutenant for Mainoo.
United’s new-look midfield after nine deals:
Defensive-midfielders: Two new signings
Central-midfielders: Mainoo, Mount and one new signing
Attacking-midfielders: Fernandes and one new signing
