sportsneutral

Manchester United's Midfield Makeover: Who Fits the Bill?

ManchesterSaturday, January 24, 2026
Advertisement

Casemiro's Departure and Ugarte's Struggles

Manchester United finds itself in a midfield dilemma. With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte not meeting expectations, the club is in urgent need of a new defensive midfielder.

Carlos Baleba: The Top Pick

Carlos Baleba stands out as a standout choice. He is young, talented, and fits the mold of a classic holding midfielder. United nearly signed him last summer, but Brighton's asking price was too steep. Now, with Casemiro gone, Baleba could be the perfect replacement.

Other Options: Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton

However, United isn't just looking at Baleba. They are also eyeing Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.

  • Elliot Anderson: A box-to-box midfielder, great at making runs and scoring goals.
  • Adam Wharton: More of a playmaker, excellent at passing and advancing the play.

Potential for Multiple Signings

The club might even sign more than one midfielder this summer. This would allow them to address multiple needs at once. But no matter who they bring in, one thing is clear: United needs a solid defensive midfielder to anchor the team.

Kobbie Mainoo: A Bright Spot

Kobbie Mainoo is another bright spot. The youngster has struggled under Ruben Amorim but has thrived under Michael Carrick. If he continues to develop, he could be a key player for years to come.

Conclusion: Options and Smart Choices

In the end, United has options. They can go for Baleba, Anderson, or Wharton. Or they can bring in multiple players to fill different roles. Whatever they do, they need to make smart choices to strengthen their midfield.

Actions