The reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed one of the next items on Manchester United’s transfer “agenda” after confirmation of Bryan Mbeumo’s arrival.
After weeks of chasing Mbeumo, United finally announced his signing from Brentford on Monday morning.
United will fork out an initial £65m plus an additional £6m in add-ons for the Cameroonian, who has signed a five-year contract with the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months.
A report covered by The Peoples Person over the weekend relayed that United head coach Ruben Amorim is keen for the club to make at least two more signings before the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season – a midfielder and a striker.
Now, Ornstein has confirmed that United are indeed looking to make an addition in the middle of the park and specifically, in a defensive midfield role.
United planning to sign a new number six
According to Ornstein, “Another No 6 is on the Old Trafford agenda.”
It’s easy to see why United want a new six. Despite his improvement since the turn of the year, it’s crystal clear that Casemiro’s days are already behind him. United need to start planning for life without the Brazilian, whose contract expires next summer.
Then there is Manuel Ugarte. The former Paris-Saint Germain star has demonstrated glimpses of his ability but he also has a number of shortcomings that could be improved on.
Ugarte has yet to prove dependable in possession, particularly when tasked with driving play forward or picking out positive passes.
A new number six could transform United’s midfield fortunes and bring a sense of solidity, calm and control that has been lacking for so many years.
United’s options
Some number sixes who continue to be linked to United include Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Ederson (Atalanta) and Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP).
Ndidi is available for just £9m courtesy of a relegation clause in his contract with Leicester. It’s believed that the Nigerian favours a switch to Old Trafford even as David Moyes’ Everton circle around him.
Luiz, who has struggled at Juventus since joining them last summer, is also understood to be keen on a return to the Premier League. There have been suggestions that the Turin outfit are open to loaning him out, which could massively work in United’s favour.
Ederson has been mentioned to be on United’s radar for months now but Atalanta’s high valuation likely means that a summer swoop will not happen. Hjulmand is a player Amorim knows very well but his hefty release clause and Sporting’s stance on him may also mean that a United move doesn’t get over the line.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
