A new midfielder remains the top priority for Manchester United in 2026. The Red Devils were expected to strengthen the position this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.
Christian Eriksen left Old Trafford at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract to leave the club a man short in midfield. The Premier League giants, however, invested all their efforts into improving their front line.
Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo arrived at the Theatre of Dreams to forge Ruben Amorim’s new look attack. The Portuguese manager wanted a new midfielder as well, but his wish remained unfulfilled.
Despite being linked with the likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Angelo Stiller, United ended the summer without improving the middle of the park.
United need a new midfielder
The first six games of the new season have already shown that the Red Devils are a little light in midfield. United lack a proper partner for Bruno Fernandes, with Casemiro no longer young and Manuel Ugarte failing to impress.
Kobbie Mainoo is an option, but his future at the Theatre of Dreams remains unclear at the moment.
The Premier League giants are expected to address the position in 2026, and one player who has recently caught their eye is Yehor Yarmolyuk. The Ukrainian has been outstanding for Brentford in recent years, and fits the profile Amorim desires in his midfield.
Yarmolyuk can carry out various roles in the middle of the park, and his positional awareness and quality with the ball could be a welcome addition to United’s squad. It is believed that the Bees are ready to offload the 21 year old for just 30m in 2026, which would suit the Red Devils as well.
However, it now appears that Tottenham Hotspur could pour cold water over United’s plans.
Thomas Frank eyeing a reunion
According to TEAMtalk, Thomas Frank wants a reunion with his former player in 2026. Yarmolyuk rose to prominence under the Danish manager at the Gtech Community Stadium, featuring 66 times in his team.
Frank now wants to continue that partnership in north London. Spurs are expected to sign a new midfielder next year and have set their sights on the Ukrainian on their manager’s behest.
However, the report adds that Brentford are unwilling to sanction their prized asset’s departure in the middle of the season. Yarmolyuk has retained his place under new manager Keith Andrews, starting all five games in the Premier League.
If United are planning to upgrade their midfield at the turn of the year, they may have to look elsewhere.
Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
