Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, is pushing for a rejuvenated midfield with more intensity and dynamism, and right now, he’s not thrilled with his current lineup. He’s voiced his concerns to the team’s management, highlighting the rather chaotic recruitment strategy of late, which has left him with two midfielders in their mid-thirties.
Christian Eriksen seems unlikely to be offered a new contract, and although Casemiro has shown an interest in fulfilling his current deal, the club’s owners, INEOS, are reportedly eager to part ways by the summer. The ongoing injury troubles with Mason Mount have forced Amorim to deploy Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte together, despite Bruno’s preference for a more forward position.
The timing of Kobbie Mainoo’s injury is far from ideal. Amorim thinks that the young English player, while talented, is more suited to an attacking role as opposed to a defensive one due to his physical attributes.
To tackle this issue, United are eyeing two potential recruits who could inject the necessary vigor into the midfield. Reports from Givemesport suggest that Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Angelo Stiller from VfB Stuttgart are on the radar. Zubimendi has been a subject of interest for numerous Premier League teams and will soon face United when Sociedad clashes with them in the Europa League’s Round of 16.
Stiller, a new addition to United’s wish list, is 23 and would be a more budget-friendly option compared to Zubimendi. Since leaving Bayern Munich, the young midfielder has made a significant impact, earning a spot in the German national squad.
Inside sources from the training ground reveal that even with Manuel Ugarte stepping up, the team still needs more energetic players in the midfield. The current combinations involving Casemiro and Eriksen don’t quite offer the dynamic presence Amorim is looking for. There are also doubts about Mainoo’s capacity to fulfill a defensive midfielder role due to his pace and stamina, making his current positioning less suitable.
United has the chance to closely evaluate Zubimendi next week when Real Sociedad visits for their Europa League encounter. Valued at £55 million, Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool last summer, yet a transfer seems likely by the season’s end. Meanwhile, Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller could be available for approximately £35 million.
Both of these potential acquisitions fit well within Amorim’s tactical framework, yet there’s a lingering question of whether INEOS can justify such spending, given their need for a striker and additional depth in other positions. This financial consideration explains the increasing chatter around former United talent Angel Gomes, who could return to the club on a free transfer.
Stay updated with our latest insights on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
