£201m of New Forwards – Now Man Utd Must Solve Their Midfield Issue

Manchester United have made a bold statement this summer, securing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko for £74m—their third major attacking signing after Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeujo. With over £200m invested in their forward line, the focus now shifts to a more pressing concern: who will solidify their midfield?

Head coach Ruben Amorim has prioritized bolstering United’s goal-scoring output after a dismal Premier League campaign where they netted just 44 times—their lowest tally since the 1973-74 relegation season. While the new attacking trio should address that problem, the heart of the team remains a puzzle, with no clear solution in sight for their midfield weaknesses.

The Midfield Conundrum: A Problem Amorim Must Fix

Amorim’s tactical setup demands two disciplined deep-lying midfielders, aggressive wing-backs, and dynamic inside forwards supporting a central striker. The assumption is that Sesko will lead the line, with Cunha and Mbeumo in attacking roles—but this forces captain Bruno Fernandes into a deeper position, one that doesn’t naturally suit him.

Fernandes thrives as a playmaker, roaming freely to exploit space and create chances, not as a box-to-box enforcer. While Amorim insists the Portuguese star has the stamina for the role, skeptics remain. His defensive awareness is questionable—he isn’t the type to track back swiftly or anticipate danger.

This explains United’s discreet interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, a dynamic midfielder whose energy, tackling, and passing range make him an ideal candidate for Amorim’s system. But why pursue Baleba if Fernandes is meant to thrive in this role? The inconsistency speaks volumes.

The Current Midfield Options: Are They Enough?

United’s existing midfield choices each come with concerns:

1. Manuel Ugarte – The £50.8m signing from PSG has struggled for consistency. His careless mistake against Everton in pre-season (losing possession in his own box) highlighted his biggest flaw: a lack of defensive awareness.
2. Casemiro – The Brazilian veteran offers experience and composure but, at 33, his mobility has noticeably declined. His best years at Real Madrid were alongside Kroos and Modric, who masked his lack of speed with relentless possession play.
3. Kobbie Mainoo – Despite his creativity, Amorim compared him to Fernandes—more of an attacking threat than a defensive shield. Mainoo started alongside Declan Rice for England at Euro 2024, but United lack a player of Rice’s caliber.
4. Toby Collyer – The young midfielder fits the mold, but a loan move seems imminent, leaving him out of contention for now.

Do United Need Another Midfield Signing?

With no internal solution, signing a proven defensive midfielder is essential—but financial constraints complicate matters. United have avoided PSR issues by delaying sales, yet unwanted players like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia must be offloaded to fund further moves.

Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho could help, but most departures will likely happen late in the window—meaning any midfield reinforcement may also arrive at the last minute.

Carlos Baleba: The Ideal Fix?

Brighton’s Baleba fits United’s needs perfectly—a tough-tackling, high-energy midfielder who thrives in transition. However, Brighton’s £115m valuation (similar to Moises Caicedo’s fee) makes a deal difficult unless United generate significant sales.

If not Baleba, who else? The options are thin, making this a defining challenge for Amorim and United’s recruitment team. Without a solution, their £201m attacking overhaul could be undermined by a shaky foundation.

Conclusion: United’s Midfield Issue Can’t Be Ignored

While their forward line looks revitalized, Manchester United’s midfield remains a glaring weakness. Whether they secure Baleba, explore alternatives, or gamble on internal solutions, addressing this problem will shape their season. If left unresolved, even their expensive attacking reinforcements may not be enough to salvage their ambitions.

The clock is ticking—and Amorim knows it.