“New target”: Six-time league winner emerges as blockbuster January option for United – report

What Manchester United need most right now is an elite defensive midfielder capable of fitting into Ruben Amorim’s tactical plan. A high-intensity player, something Casemiro no longer is, despite his resurgence. Manuel Ugarte impressed against Newcastle, but even he has flattered to deceive since joining the club. INEOS are prepared to cut him loose, while the injured Kobbie Mainoo is not seen as a defensive midfielder by the head coach. Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion was identified as a target last summer, but his price tag proved prohibitive. New midfield target Since then, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have joined him on the list, but all three are unlikely to move mid-season. That means a short-term deal might be the only feasible solution. Ruben Neves, formerly of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and ex-Carrington graduate James Garner have emerged as alternatives. The Portugal international’s wages might prove to be a stumbling block, while Everton are in no mood to lose the former United wonderkid. Teamtalk have now revealed that the 20-time English league champions have made aware of the terms of a potential January deal for Leon Goretzka. “We are starting to hear about new targets for United now so it looks like there will be an attempt to sign a midfield player outside of the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba. Leon Goretzka emerges as surprise option “[Roma’s] Manu Kone is a name that has started to crop up and I think they have been made aware of the terms for signing [Bayern Munich’s] Leon Goretzka.” The Bayern Munich midfielder has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but his age and waning influence have meant a move has never materialised. The German started only 13 times in the Bundesliga last season, while this term, he has failed to start a game in the Champions League while finishing a match only on three occasions. The 30-year-old’s contract ends next summer, and it makes very little sense to sign Leon Goretzka for a fee in the winter window. Feature image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25