Manchester United were keen to reinforce their midfield over the summer. The Red Devils were sweating on the future of Casemiro, and wanted a new face to partner Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park.
Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Angelo Stiller were reportedly among the names considered for the job, but a move never materialised. Casemiro, interestingly, ended up staying at the Theatre of Dreams and has enjoyed a regular run in Ruben Amorim’s midfield.
The Brazilian has started four of United’s five games in the Premier League this season, and has even scored one goal. The 33 year old had a whirlwind time against Chelsea over the weekend, scoring a goal and then getting sent off in the 2-1 win.
Interestingly, Casemiro is out of contract at the end of this season, and the Red Devils are already laying down succession plans in midfield.
Midfield the priority in 2026
After missing out on their top midfield targets this summer, United are likely to put all their efforts into securing a new midfielder in 2026. There are reports suggesting that they could sign one new face in January and one next summer.
The priority for Ruben Amorim, however, is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Baleba. The Cameroonian fits the profile that the Portuguese head coach desires in the middle of the park, and he could be a fine replacement for Casemiro as well.
Baleba also has all the ingredients to be a fine partner for Bruno Fernandes in midfield, although prising him away in the middle of the season will be next to impossible.
It now appears that the Red Devils have identified a LaLiga star for the job and are ready to move for him at the turn of the year.
United want Lucien Agoume
According to a report from Fichajes, United have set their sights on Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume and want to sign him in January. Amorim apparently considers the position his bane and is eager to address the matter in the middle of the season.
Agoume has caught the eye with the Andalusian club and has started every game this season. The Frenchman is averaging an astonishing 2.3 interceptions per game and has managed 88% passing accuracy so far.
The Red Devils are pleased with his efforts, but prising him away won’t be a walk in the park. The player is under contract until 2028, and Sevilla would prefer not to lose him in the winter.
However, the Spanish side’s poor finances could compel them to let Agoume go for around €30m, which makes him an affordable target for United. However, they will face competition for his signature from the Premier League.
Brighton, interestingly, want the 23 year old as a possible replacement for Baleba. Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Frenchman as well, and reportedly eyed him last summer.
Feature image Fran Santiago 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.
