Manchester United explore Premier League talent as midfield rebuild looms. Initial talks signal aggressive summer pursuit for experienced reinforcements.
Manchester United are continuing to evaluate their summer transfer plans as Michael Carrick’s squad approaches the final six games of the season.
Despite spending more than £200 million on forwards Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško last summer, the club have decided to prioritise strengthening their midfield this time around.
Casemiro is set to leave United when his contract expires at the end of June, while Manuel Ugarte has been linked with moves to Turkey and Italy, with Aston Villa also emerging as a potential destination for the Uruguayan.
It is widely expected that United will target at least two new midfield signings in the coming months, though a third arrival cannot be ruled out depending on further incomings and departures.
United hold talks with Bournemouth's Adams
Just like last summer, United are once again leaning towards signing players with Premier League experience to help speed up the settling-in process at Old Trafford.
Their primary target remains Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, while the likes of Brighton's Carlos Baleba are still being considered after United's intense interest last summer.
According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, the club also held "initial discussions" with Bournemouth star Tyler Adams back in January, with a view to possibly signing him in the summer.
The club have also been credited with interest in fellow Cherries player Alex Scott, although Bournemouth hope to keep hold of the talented Englishman.
Jacobs suggested to The United Stand that the discussions United are holding with alternative midfield targets mean bringing in a third midfielder this summer is not out of the question, particularly if it becomes a cost-effective deal.
United may look to the Academy for midfielders
United are already a midfileder short, and with Casemiro leaving, this already has the club requiring at least two new additions to the middle of the park. If Ugarte does leave, which is an increasingly likely scenario, three new signings become essential.
However, if the club do look to land Anderson, who may cost over £100 million, and a second midfielder costs upward of £50 million, then the club may simply not have the funds to bring in a third.
United are also known to want a new left-winger and are considering signing a left-back, so their current cash reserves cannot be completely sunk into just recruiting in midfield.
The likes of Jack Moorhouse have been impressing in the Academy of late, with twins Jack and Tyler Fletcher having also made senior debuts this season. Jim Thwaites, a deadball specialist, is also making waves with the U18s and U21s.
While the two new senior midfield options for United will certinaly come from the transfer window, there is real scope for the club to turn to their Academy and promote a next-generation talent to fill the third spot.