Manchester United’s lack of quality in midfield helped 10-man Everton keep a match-winning clean sheet at Old Trafford.
Everton found themselves a man down inside 15 minutes. However, David Moyes still managed to secure his first win against United in Manchester by nullifying Ruben Amorim’s Plan A.
The Portuguese tactician’s side rely on their wide progression to enter the final third. Rather than playing short passes between the lines against the outnumbered Everton midfield, the Red Devils continued to launch hopeful crosses into a packed penalty area.
Manchester United need midfield reinforcements
The first-choice midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro rarely show composure in possession and dictate the tempo of the game.
Kobbie Mainoo is the only midfielder at the club who doesn’t treat the ball like a hot potato, but Amorim doesn’t trust the Englishman’s defensive prowess.
Mainoo, who reportedly wants to leave United in January on loan, was only brought on in the 58th minute after Casemiro received a booking. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte remained an unused substitute.
The United hierarchy are now pushing to improve Amorim’s midfield options mid-season, having set their sights on Joao Gomes.
Man United hopeful of signing Joao Gomes
According to Globo Esporte, United are working on signing the Brazil international from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Brazilian outlet claim the Premier League giants are currently in talks with Wolves over a deal worth around £43m. There is optimism a deal can be completed “by the end of the year.”
It is understood United will intensify negotiations with Gomes over personal terms “in the final stretch” of 2025, having made progress in their discussions with Wolves.
Joao Gomes: Premier League Stats 2025/26 Season
Metric Value
XG 0.36
XA 0.47
Touches in the Opposition Box 12
Crosses (Completed %) 10 (50%)
Passes (Completed %) 444 (86%)
Long Passes (Completed %) 31 (55%)
Minutes Played 836
Dribbles (Completed %) 16 (50%)
Duels Won 62
Aerial Duels Won 10
Total Tackles 27
Interceptions 11
Blocks 3
Source: Premier League Website
The Molineux outfit signed the Brazilian from Flamengo in January 2023 in a deal worth around £16.5m.
Wolves, who currently find themselves in a relegation battle, are reluctant to part ways with one of their best performers. However, it has been reported that the 24-year-old has had his “head turned” by United’s interest.
Gomes, nicknamed ‘The Pitbull’, for his aggressive defending, isn’t particularly known for his on-ball qualities. Still, he would be an upgrade on Ugarte and Casemiro in possession.
Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
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