Manchester United have long been searching for a starting midfielder.
One who can help them control games, progress the ball under pressure, and provide defensive cover.
It’s a rare and difficult profile to find, but it’s exactly what United need to transform their midfield.
After years of poor recruitment and overspending on big-name signings, United once again head into the summer transfer window needing to get their midfield business right.
With Bruno Fernandes set to stay – and likely to feature in a deeper role, it’s vital that the club finds him a suitable partner.
A player who can balance the midfield both with and without the ball.
Despite more recent attention being placed on attacking reinforcements, United haven’t been seriously linked with any midfielders.
That needs to change.
Here are three midfielders United should be seriously considering this summer to bolster their squad.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Enzo Barrenechea
Enzo Barrenechea is a name flying under the radar, but he could be exactly what Manchester United need.
Now on the books at Aston Villa, the Argentine midfielder spent last season on loan at Valencia, where he impressed in La Liga.
With Villa reportedly facing PSR-related sales this summer, Barrenechea could be available at a cut price – a potential bargain for any club looking for a technically secure holding midfielder.
United’s midfield has often lacked control in the first phase of build-up.
Too many times, they’ve struggled to progress the ball cleanly from deep, especially when faced with an organised press.
That’s where Barrenechea shines.
He’s calm under pressure, comfortable receiving in tight areas, and has a real knack for breaking lines with either foot.
His ability to feed more advanced players quickly and cleanly would make life easier for United’s two No.10s.
Defensively, Barrenechea is a solid dueller.
He doesn’t cover an enormous amount of ground, but he reads the game well and holds his position smartly.
He’s not a flashy ball-winner, but he’s dependable and rarely exposed.
If Villa are open to selling – and United are willing to act decisively – this could be one of the smartest midfield pickups of the summer.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Carlos Baleba
When it comes to dream midfield signings, two names stand out: Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.
Both are Premier League-proven, technically gifted, and long-term solutions at the highest level.
Unfortunately for Manchester United, both may already be out of their price range this summer – especially with other areas of the squad needing attention.
That said, if circumstances allowed, Baleba would be an outstanding addition.
The Brighton midfielder is a tenacious ball-winner with the athleticism and intensity United’s midfield has been crying out for.
But he offers much more than this.
Baleba has decent passing range and is an exceptional carrier of the ball, frequently progressing play.
His ability to glide past pressure and launch attacks would help United gain far more control.
Baleba would be a perfect partner for Bruno Fernandes.
He’s physically robust, technically and tactically refined, and most importantly, left-footed – something United’s midfield lacks.
His presence would instantly offer better passing angles and balance in build-up, making it easier to break presses and play through the thirds.
If there’s any chance of prising him away from Brighton, United should be all over it.
He may be costly, but the upside is enormous.
Amadou Kone
Another name on Manchester United’s radar is Amadou Kone.
Reports have said that both United and Liverpool are tracking the 19-year-old Reims midfielder.
Seen by many as a lower-cost alternative to Carlos Baleba, Kone has impressed in Ligue 1 this season with his dynamic, all-action style.
Valued at around £20 million, he offers similar physicality and forward drive – but at a more affordable price point.
Kone currently has the second-highest percentage of duels won among under-21 players across Europe.
That stat underlines just how effective and combative he is in the heart of midfield.
While still developing, Kone has clear potential.
He’s athletic, aggressive, and always looking to carry the ball forward.
If bigger names prove too expensive, Kone could be a smart, high-upside alternative.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!