Manchester United's glaring weaknesses in central midfield could be resolved in the January transfer window with Ruben Amorim eyeing a star performer for a Premier League rival
Neil Docking
14:16, 18 Sep 2025
Ruben Amorim could welcome a key signing for Manchester United in the January transfer window
Ruben Amorim could welcome a key signing for Manchester United in the January transfer window
Manchester United could look to solve their problems by returning to a Premier League club with another offer in the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim's struggling side spent more than £200m in the summer to revamp his attacking line-up, with forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo all added to the Red Devils' frontline. The Premier League giants also tried to fix their goalkeeping issues by bringing in Senne Lammens from Antwerp in an £18m deal, as Andre Onana was shown the exit door on loan to Trabzonspor.
However, despite links to several midfielders, including Brighton star Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace favourite Adam Wharton, United were unable to secure the signature of a player who could make an impact in the engine room of their team. That has proved costly with captain Bruno Fernandes, veteran Casemiro, expensive flop Manuel Ugarte and wantaway homegrown star Kobbie Mainoo all failing to meet the demands of playing in Amorim's central pairing in his 3-4-3 formation.
Amorim's team are currently slumped 14th in the table, but the club yesterday reported an improved financial position thanks to record revenues. And it's now being reported that having signed Mbeumo from Brentford in a £71m package, United could return to the West London club to make an offer for a midfielder to address a glaring weakness in their line-up.
That target is Ukrainian international Yehor Yarmolyuk. The 21-year-old star, who left Dnipro-1 for the Premier League in the summer of 2022, has impressed scouts at Old Trafford with his performances for the Bees.
Yehor Yarmolyuk of Brentford
Yehor Yarmolyuk of Brentford(Image: Getty Images)
According to Ukrainian journalist Volodymyr Zverov, United have a keen interest in Yarmolyuk and could bring him to Old Trafford, with a fee of around £30m being discussed, as quoted by dynamo.kiev.ua.
Zverov said: "I know about the very serious interest of Manchester United in the Ukrainian footballer. United definitely need to fix the problems in the midfield.
"And Brentford isn’t the club that will do everything in their power to keep Yarmolyuk, and they are ready to consider offers for the midfielder from £30m. United can be called a serious contender for Yarmolyuk."
Yarmolyuk joined Brentford at the age of 18 on a three-year contract in a £1.3m deal, before making a solitary appearance in the Carabao Cup in his debut campaign, which was blighted by a torn hamstring.
But in the 2023–24 season he made 30 appearances in league and cup, with the then-teenager's progress recognised in the U19 category of the Golden talent of Ukraine award.
Last season he notched a further 35 appearances, with his fine form earning him a new six-year contract in May, until the summer of 2031, with the option of a further year.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, smiles during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 semi final second leg match between Manchester United and Athletic Club at Carrington Training Ground on May 07, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim might have something to smile about again if a deal can be done for Manchester United(Image: Alex Livesey, Getty Images)
Former Brentford manager Thomas Frank, now in charge at Tottenham, praised the 5ft 11in workhorse's contribution, including his passing and pressing, noting he was "one of the best trainers".
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Frank observed: "He trains hard and with good intensity – that’s the best way to get into the team."
Since Frank's departure, Yarmolyuk has kept his place in the Brentford team under new boss Keith Andrews.
Yarmolyuk made his debut for Ukraine in the 2024–25 Nations League promotion playoffs and he appeared in both matches - a 3-1 win over Belgium followed by a 3-0 defeat.