Manchester United’s midfield situation is shaping up to be one of the defining stories of their summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim has overseen a busy period in the transfer market, with the club investing heavily in attack, yet questions remain over how to bolster the engine room of the team.
Fans have been closely watching pre-season performances, particularly in the pivot, to see which players will start the Premier League opener.
The Red Devils are juggling multiple options as they weigh immediate fixes against longer-term solutions, with contract situations and loan moves further complicating decisions.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford, speculation over United’s midfield targets continues to dominate discussion.
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According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are prepared to delay a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba until next year, acknowledging that a summer deal is likely too difficult to complete.
Senior sources concede that while the 21-year-old Cameroonian would be keen to join, Brighton value him at around £100 million and he remains under contract until 2028, with an option for another year.
United have already spent more than £200 million this summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, meaning any pursuit of Carlos Baleba would be financially challenging.
United still intend to reinforce their midfield as Toby Collyer is set to join West Bromwich Albion on loan to gain regular playing time, despite his preference to remain at Old Trafford.
The club also faced a surprise in missing out on Joao Palhinha, who joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich.
The 30-year-old, who played under Amorim at Sporting and impressed with Fulham in the Premier League, had been considered by United, though sources indicate the club prefers permanent transfers rather than loans.
Spurs hold an option to buy Palhinha for £27 million.
An ongoing obstacle remains Casemiro, whose contract expires next year.
United have not received concrete offers for the 33-year-old, who would need to be sold for at least £15 million to comply with Premier League profitability rules.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte, the £50.75 million signing from last season, has had a mixed pre-season and will compete with Casemiro for a starting role alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim’s decision on whether to start Ugarte or Casemiro could be crucial in setting the tone for United’s midfield against Arsenal.
