**Rúben Amorim**’s system—anchored in a dynamic 3-4-2-1 formation—demands mobile, tactically versatile midfielders capable of both building play and tracking back. Yet United’s current engine room falls short. A Guardian analysis points to a glaring deficit: “Midfielders able to both build play and cover ground” are lacking, leaving the system exposed.
Rio Ferdinand put it bluntly: United simply don’t possess the “capacity to be the mobile and dynamic team that **Amorim**wants.” He argues that both the physical and tactical profiles required are missing.
Missed Opportunity: Carlos Baleba
Failure to acquire Brighton’s **Carlos Baleba**may cost United dearly as they look to navigate the Premier League season with a midfield duo capable of pushing for European places. Amorim has struggled to find a consistent combination with the right chemistry, combativeness, and steel to convince fans the starting XI can achieve its goals.
Combinations of Kobbie Mainoo with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Manuel Ugarte have so far proved unsuccessful in delivering significant results or points. What complicates selection further is Amorim’s unique tactical structure, which demands specialists in the midfield pairing—something the current squad lacks.
Aging and Physically Declining Midfielders
Casemiro typifies the problem. Despite his leadership, his wheels are slowing. Among central/defensive midfielders with at least 450 minutes in 2024-25, his top speed was the third-slowest (30.5 km/h). Coupled with Eriksen’s advancing age and declining legs, their combined limitations weaken transitions and defensive cover.
Injuries Deepen the Crisis
Injuries have compounded the problem. At one point last season, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Toby Collyer,, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen were all sidelined or ill, leaving Amorim with minimal midfield options and forcing him to field teenage replacements.
Failed Transfer Attempts Leave Gaps Exposed
The summer deadline saw United make last-ditch bids for Angelo Stiller and Conor Gallagher,, both of which collapsed. Meanwhile, a £100 million pursuit of Baleba fell flat. Their failure to bolster the midfield meant the squad entered the new season still dangerously thin.
One Player Still Held Back—and Others Unused
Despite pleading for game time, Kobbie Mainoo’s loan request was blocked by the board, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Without regular minutes, his development stalls and United miss out on harnessing his box-to-box energy.
Limited Midfield Reinforcements in the Pipeline
**Amorim**and the club have reportedly aligned on Morten Hjulmand from Sporting as a top midfield priority. Valued at around £43 million (discounted from a release clause of £69 million), he’s seen as the “most complete player” for the role. But as of now, he’s not yet at Old Trafford.
Structural Flaws Exacerbate Issues
A tactical breakdown underscores that even a new manager would struggle, given the squad’s shallow midfield options and poor fullback depth. United’s overly rigid structure and lack of adaptable players prevent cohesion, especially in midfield where overloads are vital in Amorim’s design.