With Michael Carrick reshaping his engine room, the Italian insider suggests a specialist defensive anchor is next on the radar to restore balance following Casemiro's high-profile exit.
Manchester United have secured two midfield signings to help bolster that position ahead of the new season.
Andrey Santos has been announced as the first addition of the Michael Carrick era after his move from Chelsea for £48 million.
Meanwhile, the Reds also look to have secured a surprise deal for Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans. The Belgian international has agreed to join the club and has passed his medical at Carrington.
These two additions will support Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's knee injury.
However, there is still the need for at least one more addition in midfield before the summer window closes and it appears that the profile of that player has been revealed.
Romano speaks on United's next midfielder
Fabrizio Romano has been speaking about United's situation on his social media channels and explained that the club are looking to make one addition in midfield.
Importantly, the Italian journalist added that a third signing would be a 'more defensive player' to replace the capabilities Casemiro brought in that respect.
Mainoo, Tielemans and Santos are three solid players but none of them are experts in the defensive third. It appears that the next signing will address that issue.
There are several options United could look at for this, with Carlos Baleba among the potential signings, as well as Alex Scott from Bournemouth.
Carrick needs multiple profiles
Carrick will certainly want a defensive-minded midfielder to help round out his squad but it would not be a surprise to see the likes of Mainoo and Tielemans link up in midfield often next season.
Some fans have expressed concerns about the defensive side of the game, but on the other hand it is obvious Carrick would love to have two press resistant, ball players in the zone.
It will not be the case every week, but especially against opponents who will sit in deep blocks, using two players like that could be the perfect solution.
When he arrived last term, Carrick immediately fixed the balance of the midfield which had become a problem under Ruben Amorim, and he knows all about how to thrive in those areas.
Having different options at his disposal for a long and tough season will allow his team to thrive and adapt, and hopefully win more games.
