United View: Reds plan for midfield rebuild

Manchester United look set to rebuild their midfield over the summer, hopeful of bringing in two players, with room for a third. 

Today, we’ll look at some of the targets being linked with a move to Old Trafford.

With Casemiro departing at the end of the season, the Reds will need to reinforce in the middle of the park. 

The Brazilian is one of the only players with strong defensive traits in the squad, and United will need to bring in someone capable of stepping up after his departure.

Carlos Baleba is regarded highly by the club, with the Brighton midfielder seen as an ideal replacement for Casemiro. 

United held a strong interest in the Cameroon international last summer but were priced out by the South-Coast club, who were seeking a deal around £100million.

With Baleba interested in moving to United, it’s a deal that could transpire before the start of the 2026 World Cup, provided that United can agree on a suitable figure. 

They’ll be hoping Brighton come down from their initial figure, especially with Baleba not having a standout individual season for the Seagulls.

Rumours have circulated regarding two midfielders from Newcastle United, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. 

Guimaraes will be 29 by the end of the year, which, along with a hefty transfer fee, could rule him out of a move to United. 

Tonali would also come at a premium cost, but he’s still being monitored for the summer.

Newcastle may have to sell in the summer, should they fail to qualify for Europe, but will want to avoid another Alexander Isak situation, and have any player leave on their terms. 

Although that may prove to be difficult if they are in a tight financial situation, it would be worth keeping both in mind.

Then, there is Elliot Anderson, who is one of the most sought-after players on the market this summer. 

The 23-year-old is very much an all-action profile, and would be a top target for United, but they face stern competition from Manchester City, who could offer lucrative wages.

A decision has yet to be made, and with the former Newcastle man most likely heading to the World Cup, it could linger on until the final weeks of the window. 

Hence why The Reds will be so keen to bring in at least one player before the players depart for the United States.

United are keeping their options open, with names like Joao Gomes from Wolves and Matheus Fernandes from West Ham seen as cheaper alternatives. 

They could also be brought in as a third addition, provided United were to make significant sales and structure effective deals for incoming signings.

Manuel Ugarte would be one highly likely candidate for an exit from Old Trafford this summer, with the majority of his appearances this season coming off the bench. 

As well as other players like Toby Collyer, who has spent this season on loan at West Brom and Hull City.

It’s encouraging to see plans taking shape and United with multiple options, rather than being fixated on one individual; the less said about the Frenkie de Jong debacle, the better. 

But we’ll have to wait until the end of the season before we see moves start to be made, where plans could completely change.

United have no match this weekend, with the FA Cup taking centre stage, but will be back in action a week on Monday, when they face Leeds United at Old Trafford.