Manchester United’s central midfield department has been an area for debate over recent months, with Ruben Amorim having multiple options at his disposal.
Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have often operated in such positions, but Bruno Fernandes has often dropped into a deeper role, with Kobbie Mainoo also an option after his injury setbacks.
However, it’s unclear if the manager fully knows his best partnership in the middle of the park, which could see the Red Devils dip into the transfer market to make further additions.
ruben-amorim-united
Christian Eriksen has already been told that he will be released from the club at the end of his contract in a couple of weeks, with Casemiro potentially being moved on to raise additional funds.
With the window now in full swing after its one-week closure, it’s pivotal that the board land the right targets for the manager, with any additions having a bearing on his long-term future in the role.
United’s hunt to land new midfielders this summer
Despite the season not long ending, United have already wasted little time in the market, already pursuing moves for various players in the midfield department.
Ederson, Hayden Hackney, and Fermin Lopez have all previously been mentioned as potential additions, but no deals have yet been completed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
ederson-atalanta
However, that could be about to change, with the Red Devils identifying Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi as a potential option, according to one Spanish outlet.
Their report claims that United have already begun making moves to bring him to Old Trafford this summer after only making nine Serie A starts in 2024/25.
It also states that he’s asked his agent to consider potential options away from Italy this summer, seeing Amorim’s current project at the club as an exciting one that could tempt him in the coming months.
Why Frattesi could be Amorim’s own version of McTominay
After leaving United for Napoli in a £25m deal last summer, no supporter could’ve envisioned the rise Scottish international Scott McTominay would have in Italy - subsequently taking his career to new heights this season.
McTominay
The 28-year-old was offloaded by former boss Erik ten Hag, a decision that now appears to be a huge mistake after his form across Europe, which saw him net 13 times across all competitions in his debut year in Naples.
Such a record helped Antonio Conte’s side claim the league title, with McTominay being named the division’s Most Valuable Player, further highlighting the mistake made in allowing him to depart.
It’s a real shame that Amorim didn’t receive the opportunity to work with the academy graduate, with his skillset at both ends of the pitch certainly aiding the club in their chances of overturning their recent slump.
However, a move for Frattesi could allow the Red Devils to land their next version of the midfielder, possessing a very similar playstyle to that of the 28-year-old.
davide-frattesi-inter-champions-league
When comparing their respective figures from the recent campaign, the Inter star has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, subsequently able to inject the needed quality into the current squad.
Frattesi, who’s been labelled as "one of the best midfielders in Serie A" by Fabrizio Romano, has averaged a higher goal per shot on target rate, able to pop up with crucial goals in key moments - as seen with his winner in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
He’s also completed more key passes per 90, having the tools to provide the likes of Fernandes ahead of him with the opportunity to have a further impact in the final third.
The Italian has also dominated without the ball, winning more of the tackles he’s entered and also making more blocks per 90, handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option in his 3-4-2-1 system.
How Frattesi compares to McTominay in Serie A (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Goals per shot on target
Key passes made
Carries into opposition box
Tackles won
Blocks made
Fouls won
Stats via FBref
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal would set the Red Devils hierarchy back, it seems as though they could be about to take advantage of his lack of playing time in their ambitions of strengthening the squad.
When he has had the chance to impress, he’s taken such an opportunity with both hands, with his experience amongst Europe’s elite taking the side to the next level in the process.
Davide-Frattesi-SPURS
If he can emulate McTominay’s success at Old Trafford, it would be an astute piece of business and one that would transform the club’s current two-man midfielder pivot ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.
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Manchester United could be about to land a star who could thrive under Ruben Amorim.