INEOS unable to meet Amorim’s demand in the market due to £60m mistake the club cannot shift – report

To accommodate his two new number 10s and his key man, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim may be forced to reshape his midfield.

Fernandes is expected to drop deeper and form a midfield pivot in Manchester United’s engine room next season.

As a deep-lying playmaker, there is no doubt the United skipper has everything to be a hit, but there is a concern.

Fernandes needs a better partner

Since the Europa League knockouts, when Casemiro won back his spot in the starting XI, it is his partnership with Fernandes that has been favoured.

At times, Fernandes’ tendency to dash forward and get involved in attack leaves his assigned position (deep in midfield) exposed, creating a huge space that the Brazilian struggles to cover.

It is why you hear comments such as, “We had a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park,” from Amorim after the Leeds 0-0 draw, where his engine room was exposed.

With Bruno in a deeper role, it would be best for United to sign another midfielder who has pace or stamina to cover ground. Someone dependable in possession, who can also bring a sense of solidity, calm and control.

Manuel Ugarte should have been that player, but his struggles at the end of last season and his unreliability in possession have led to a drop in faith in him.

Mainoo, on the other hand, was not trusted as a defensive midfielder. Extra sessions during the summer should help him position himself as an option, but it could take time to reclaim his spot in central midfield.

Toby Collyer could have been an option, but he is likely to go out on loan. Injuries and the team’s struggles have disrupted his development plan.

Ultimately, signing another midfielder makes perfect sense. However, despite the need, an obstacle has emerged.

A midfield sale was anticipated

According to the latest reports from the Manchester Evening News, United must move on one of their five midfield options before signing a new one.

Of those, the £300k-a-week Casemiro is the player the Red Devils were keen to move on.

INEOS were so intent on getting the 33-year-old’s hefty wages off the books that, as the UK publication reports: “Well-placed sources say four intermediaries had a mandate to try and sell Casemiro, who has entered the last year of his United contract.”

Despite his resurgence, which even saw him return to the Brazil national team, United were keen to let him go for a decent fee, as the report reveals:

“United would require a fee of £15 million to avoid a loss on Casemiro under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, but an offer is unlikely to be forthcoming.”

With his sale proving difficult, United may fail to add fresh legs to their engine room. As MEN bluntly puts it, “Manchester United are prohibited from signing a midfielder due to the continued presence of the high-earning Casemiro.”

Midfield targets (one preferred)

Some top midfielders have already been linked, with The Peoples Person readers preferring Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand.

Despite the “sell to buy” obstacle, it will be interesting to see if INEOS still find a way to give Amorim the midfield signing his project craves (to partner Fernandes).

A loan move or a bargain swoop – like that of Wilfred Ndidi – could be an option.

Featured image Marc Atkins via Getty Images

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