Manchester United are expected to go all out for a new midfielder next summer. The Red Devils focused mostly on their attack in the recently concluded transfer window following an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign.
After managing just 44 goals in 38 games in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim was eager to upgrade his frontline. INEOS granted his wish, spending around £200m on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.
The Portuguese head coach also signed Diego Leon and Senne Lammens before the end of the summer. However, the midfield remained untouched, despite the club being linked to a host of names all summer.
That decision appears to have come back to haunt the Red Devils.
Midfield to be the priority in 2026
United are 14th in the Premier League table after six games this season, with two wins and three defeats to their name. Despite investing a fortune in their attack, the Red Devils have managed just seven goals in the league, which includes two own goals.
There’s a belief that the midfield is the root of Amorim’s problems this season.
The Portuguese has opted for Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as his double pivot, while Ugarte has operated in the Brazilian’s absence. However, Amorim has yet to find the right combination for the middle of the park.
The Red Devils are already looking for a new midfielder to eventually replace Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton are all on the club’s shortlist, but it now appears that INEOS also have a Bundesliga star on their radar.
United eyeing Aleksandar Pavlovic
According to BILD, United have set their sights on Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic. The German defensive midfielder rose through the ranks at the Allianz Arena and is also wanted by Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola has apparently identified Pavlovic as a possible successor for Rodri at the Etihad. Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are in the race as well, although they are yet to make a move for the 21 year old.
The Premier League duo, though, are convinced by the player and have already reached out to his entourage to discuss a transfer. Pavlovic is under contract with the Bavarians until 2029, so prising him away won’t be easy.
The youngster has started five of Bayern Munich’s nine games in all competitions this season and is fast becoming a key player for Vincent Kompany.
United believe that the German matches the profile they are looking for at the moment. However, the Red Devils have yet to initiate negotiations with their Bundesliga counterparts for the player.
Featured image Alex Grimm 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
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.
