The illusion of progress after heavy spending
Manchester United responded to their Europa League exit with a £200m spending spree, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Yet those reinforcements have only served to highlight a glaring gap: the lack of control in midfield. The loss to Arsenal revealed fragility at set pieces with Altay Bayindir, but the 2-2 draw with Fulham underlined the deeper issue of balance in the middle of the pitch.
A midfield overrun again
Fulham repeatedly exposed the two-man midfield of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, with Alex Iwobi openly admitting his side targeted that weakness. Marco Silva explained that his strategy was to overload central areas, and it worked. United struggled to maintain possession, leaving their defence under constant pressure and their attack stalling after the opening 20 minutes.
The problem is structural as much as individual. Casemiro, now visibly ageing, cannot cover the required ground, while Amorim’s refusal to trust Kobbie Mainoo limits alternatives. Without a new midfielder, United risk undermining their attacking talent and exposing their backline week after week.
Goalkeeper deal close, midfield dilemma unsolved
United are in talks to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, which could address the shot-stopping and set-piece worries. But replacing Bayindir won’t solve the bigger tactical flaw. The absence of a dominant, athletic midfielder leaves Amorim’s 3-4-3 unable to control matches in England.
Who could United target?
Several names have been linked:
- Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP captain)
- Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart)
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton, valued at over £100m)
Baleba fits the profile of a more athletic ball-winner, even if he is not the most creative passer. Such a player could stabilise midfield, help recycle possession and give the attack a stronger platform.
Amorim’s gamble
Ultimately, United must decide whether to act before the window closes. Amorim has so far refused to alter his system, betting on the 3-4-3 despite its failings. Signing the right midfielder could salvage the project, but the wrong choice would only deepen doubts over the Portuguese’s tenure.
The message is clear: the rebuild will not succeed without midfield reinforcements. This transfer could determine not only United’s season, but also the future of their manager.
