Manchester United will 'revamp' their midfield in the summer

Summer 2026 is predicted to be the time when Manchester United (MU) will undertake a major reconstruction of their midfield. Personnel changes within the squad mean Old Trafford almost certainly needs to add a series of new midfielders if they want to maintain competitiveness across multiple competitions.

Firstly, Casemiro has confirmed he will leave the team when his contract ends in June. The departure of the Brazilian player, who has performed well this season, will leave a significant gap in MU's midfield.

The reason for the "revamp"

Additionally, Manuel Ugarte, who was expected to bolster defensive capabilities, has also failed to meet expectations after about 18 months playing in England and could depart, forcing MU to consider a complete overhaul of the midfield.

Meanwhile, Bruno has been returned to his familiar number 10 role in the tactical system. Mainoo is a product of the academy and is seen as a crucial link in MU's style of play.

Given that MU is likely to compete in multiple competitions next season, including European cups, squad depth in the midfield is essential. Therefore, recruiting 2-3 high-quality midfielders becomes a key task in the transfer plan.

Among the targets mentioned recently, Sandro Tonali is a prominent name. The Italian midfielder impressed strongly while wearing the AC Milan jersey before moving to Newcastle in 2023. Compared to Casemiro, Tonali has more ways to advance the ball forward due to his dribbling ability, but he is less dangerous in the final third. Tonali's passing style combines elements of Casemiro and Mainoo, and he often participates in group pressing to regain possession. However, his tackling ability is not as strong as Casemiro's.

Another target is Carlos Baleba of Brighton. Baleba was once rated as one of Europe's most promising young midfielders, but his form has declined. Nevertheless, Baleba's skill set makes him an option for MU. Baleba possesses strong ball-carrying ability, ball-winning skills, and a high accurate pass rate.

If MU can help Baleba regain his best form, they will acquire a versatile player on the pitch.

Other targets for MU

Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest attracts attention due to his energetic playing style. The 23-year-old midfielder often operates in a deep midfield position but still effectively advances the ball forward. Anderson excels in defensive capabilities, particularly tackling. His off-the-ball movement helps the team easily transition from defense to attack.

Another option for MU is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. Wharton stands out in his passing ability and play organization. He can execute line-breaking passes that create space for teammates. Wharton is not a midfielder focused on scoring or assisting, but his playing style concentrates on ball circulation and development from the midfield.

Furthermore, Joao Gomes of Wolves could also be a potential option for MU. The 24-year-old midfielder is highly rated for his contesting and tackling abilities. His playing style is quite similar to Anderson's, with mobility and ball recovery skills. Gomes also possesses fairly good dribbling ability, though his contribution to attacking passes is not extensive. If Wolves are relegated, his likelihood of leaving is quite high, and this is an opportunity for MU to acquire this player.

Overall, MU is unlikely to find a replica of Casemiro. The most feasible option is to find midfielders who can combine with Mainoo to create balance in the playing style. With the above targets, MU faces many choices for the midfield overhaul. Regardless, the "Red Devils" need to add players of sufficient quality to maintain competitiveness in the upcoming season.