United's need for a new midfielder is clear after their defeat to Arsenal
Sean McCormick is a content editor across our North East and Yorkshire football clubs. He was previously a Newcastle United reporter, a trends writer covering both the Magpies and Sunderland AFC, as well as a football content editor at the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.
Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller.
Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller.(Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
There were many positives to emerge from Manchester United's opening day performance against Arsenal, despite the 1-0 defeat.
United looked sharper, more aggressive in their press, and their new-look frontline of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko looks like it will make a huge difference this season.
But aside from the obvious goalkeeping howler from Altay Bayindir, United's lack of physicality and energy in midfield was a problem.
Bruno Fernandes has been moved into a deeper role this season to accommodate the new attacking trio but in order for United's talisman to truly thrive, he needs legs alongside him.
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For all of Casemiro's experience from his excellent, trophy-laden career, that is not something the 33-year-old can now offer, which made the decision to start him at Old Trafford all the more surprising.
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Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been linked with a move but he could prove to be expensive, given Brighton's history of being tough negotiators in the past across many examples of their transfer dealings.
The likes of Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Ben White, Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella have all left the Amex Stadium for hefty fees to join other Premier League clubs in the recent past.
As such, alternatives may be explored and United could do a lot worse than looking in the direction of Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller.
The 24-year-old is a Germany international who helped his side win the DFB Pokal last season. His energy and calmness on the ball has been praised in the German media.
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who has played with Stiller at international level, said: "I must say I am a bit of a fan of Angelo Stiller and I played against him in the Champions League.
“I was impressed by his calmness on the ball. He was rarely nervous and has a big future ahead of him if he stays fit.”
That big future has seen him linked with a move to Real Madrid and United would be hard pushed to find a better Baleba alternative out there.
A £34million price tag has been suggested this summer and if that is to be the case, United could well land themselves a bargain if they choose to re-route their midfield search.