Which 2 midfielders would you prefer we sign ?

[NLunited]

Anderson
Garner
Scott
Stiller
Tonali

Xhaka if he’s somehow available.

Has Xhaka got a younger brother?

 

[lex talionis]

If that’s what you took from my post, then it’s quite far from what I was actually saying. My point is that, at present, we don’t really have a midfield profile that consistently dictates play, and I stand by that.

That said, I do agree with you that Mainoo is only 20 and absolutely has the potential to grow into that type of player over time. If you look at Anderson, who many people are now keen on, he wasn’t dictating games a few years ago either.

So yes, Mainoo could definitely evolve into that role. My point is that he isn’t there yet.

"I’m not sure exactly who we’ll end up signing, but whoever comes in has to be comfortable on the ball and capable of progressing play because that’s the profile(s) we’re clearly missing right now."

Mainoo can be criticized for a relative lack of athleticism (stamina as well as pace), but he can't be criticized for being not being "comfortable on the ball". Being comfortable on the ball is in fact his strength and is in fact a key reason our performances and results have dramatically improved since he was brought back as a regular starter for us, and turned out to be a key player for England at the Euros in 2024. To be fair, it's been Bruno and Casemiro who have been dictating games from midfield during the Carrick resurgence, with Mainoo doing the less glamorous work of knitting things together between Casemiro and Bruno.

The word "potential" is grossly misused in this context. Mainoo is already well beyond having "potential". Can be he improve? Yes of course, as virtually every other player in the squad under the age of 32. Mainoo's contribution to United's dramatically improved performances, as well as his performances for United and England two seasons ago (I resisted going with all caps) tell us conclusively that he isn't merely a footballer with great "potential".

The problem with the "he isn't there yet" is that by bringing in an $80m midfielder to usurp Mainoo, we'd be closing the door on Mainoo ever getting there at Old Trafford. If the suggestion is instead to bring in an up and coming midfielder to compete with Mainoo, of course that would be good business. We should be two deep at every position and right now we're one deep at Mainoo's position, at least in my mind Mount being more a 10 than an 8. And we're only one deep at 6, as at least in my mind Ugarte not having a future at United. Which is to say that we need, as everyone else here agrees, is a specialist 6 and a hybrid 6/8. And if in the deployment of these new players Mainoo isn't up to the challenge and slinks to long-term squad man status, so be it. But as it stands right now, the vastly higher priority is replacing Casemiro first and then, second, a midfielder who will challenge Mainoo, not replace him.

 

[foggybottom]

If the stories about Palmer being homesick, I'd take him ahead and instead of anyone else... unlikley I know but every time I've seen Anderson (admittedly not often), he's been anonymous

 

[elmo]

Has Xhaka got a younger brother?

No, but he’ll provide loads of experience which all our other options are lacking and he’s performing well this season, not just for his age.

 

[croadyman]

No, but he’ll provide loads of experience which all our other options are lacking and he’s performing well this season, not just for his age.

Knew that was a good signing for Sunderland

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes

Between those two and Kobbie, they all compliment each other.

Ideally, I'd like three but depends on funds. If not, academy player or keep Ugarte as fourth choice.

 

[goldenboy]

or keep Ugarte as fourth choice

Wow.

After that Leeds performance I thought that would finally be the nail in the coffin for anyone still thinking Ugarte should be in the club in any way, shape of form, but somehow there's still some out there...

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Wow.

After that Leeds performance I thought that would finally be the nail in the coffin for anyone still thinking Ugarte should be in the club in any way, shape of form, but somehow there's still some out there...

This isn’t FIFA. While strengthening centre midfield is clearly a priority, we also need to address other areas of the squad. Ideally, I’d like us to bring in three midfielders, but that ultimately depends on the available funds.

Because of that, there’s a real possibility we don’t end up signing midfielders. In that scenario, I’d much rather have Ugarte as a fourth option than go without, as relying solely on the three players I mentioned plus a youth player feels like too much of a risk.

 

[Top_Bins]

This isn’t FIFA. While strengthening centre midfield is clearly a priority, we also need to address other areas of the squad. Ideally, I’d like us to bring in three midfielders, but that ultimately depends on the available funds.

Because of that, there’s a real possibility we don’t end up signing midfielders. In that scenario, I’d much rather have Ugarte as a fourth option than go without, as relying solely on the three players I mentioned plus a youth player feels like too much of a risk.

You sell Ugarte for whatever you can get and promote a wet sponge into the squad.
seriously, just take in a young talent for his spot.

I agree on Matheus Fernandes, but I have a feeling Anderson goes to Citeh.

 

[Red Pumpkin]

I visited a game in Japan yesterday and saw a local game between Tokyo Verdy and Chiba. Admittedly the level was of a lower quality but three players really stood out. I'm sure all three can make it in a top 5 league, one of them could become a starter at a top 5 team. None of them have played for the NT so they are likely cheap.

If there are any japanese people here please fill in the details because I think these lot can do a job for the correct club.

Edit: I can't speak highly enough of #5 Ryota Inoue. This was one of the best CB/LCB portrayals, especially in the first half, that I've witnessed. And I've seen loads of games during the years. If he always plats like this he has the potential to replace Lisandro Martinez, total stud.

#5 Ryota Inoue
Position: CB in 4 man defence 1st half, LCB in 3 man defence 2nd half
Age: 25
Plays like: Sergio Ramos, Lisandro Martinez, Gary Medel
Main strengths: Fast, aggressive, wins duels, anticipates attacks, joins attacks
Lacks: Nothing noticeable against a weak team like Chiba
Ambigious: Seemed to be decent in the air but need more viewing, played the ball well to his midfielders but unsure if he can playmake from the back
Level: Champions League

#10 (C) Koki Morita
Position: CM/Deep lying playmaker
Age: 25
Plays like: Verratti, Thiago Alcantara, Bernardo Silva
Main strengths: Spatial awareness, touch, neat passing, agile, wins ball clearly, through balls, give and go, control
Lacks: Real bite, flair, long balls, defense splitting balls, stature,
Ambigious: Perhaps tiring a bit past 70 min but doesn't give up or shirk defensive tasks, likely able to play 10 or even wing in another team but here used to build up play and secure center of field
Level: Europa League

#45 Shimon Teranuma
Position: CF
Age: 25
Plays like: Mario Gomez, Haaland
Main strengths: Stature, target play, attacks space,
Lacks: Aggressiveness, got really bad service most of the game so his main value was a very good focal point which a lot of teams can use
Ambigious: Speed seemed decent but not rapid, scored the only goal of the game but not sure how much he scores otherwise, he seemed to attack the fb a bit more in the second half interchanging positions with his mediocre SS colleague
Level: Conference League

 

[cyril C]

You sell Ugarte for whatever you can get and promote a wet sponge into the squad.
seriously, just take in a young talent for his spot.

I agree on Matheus Fernandes, but I have a feeling Anderson goes to Citeh.

Don't know anyone still have the nerve to watch Ugarte playing more than 10min.I would rather have Heaven or Martinez as DMF. Buy a top level 6, sell Ugarte and replace him with another 6 or hybrid 6/8. Promote a Academy 6 if you like

 

[Marwood]

Hard to say which two would be best but there are so many options that would improve us in just the EPL.

It should be very hard for the club to mess this up.

 

[Big Ron’s Coat]

Garner and Sangare.

 

[sp_cgb]

At this point Anderson and someone, who can sit and dictate play. We are too dependent on Bruno for creativity and desperately need someone with excellent passing ability and press resistance. A prime Carrick would be nice. A type of 6 like him and Anderson as the number 8 would definitely transform our standard of play. Unfortunately I don't know who that could be right now. Bruno Guimaraes can probably do it. Maybe Wharton, or Stiller. And dare I say: Frenkie de Jong.

 

[Rasmus_9]

Would love us to find a young dictator of play. A Vitinha, De Jong, Verratti, Pirlo type! Let’s bring some control to our game

 

[cyril C]

Hard to say which two would be best but there are so many options that would improve us in just the EPL.

It should be very hard for the club to mess this up.

Ha ha. After Ugarte, Mount, Antony, and selling McTom, Garna.

Perhaps re-phrase as can't get any worse...

 

[Red Pumpkin]

Would love us to find a young dictator of play. A Vitinha, De Jong, Verratti, Pirlo type! Let’s bring some control to our game

You have one in my post above. Obviously he would need to be tested at a proper level but he passed the eye test live, that he did. Koki Morita. Judging by his skill set he should have no trouble to slot in at teams perceived to be on a higher level. His technique is already better than just above any cm at United and he never makes rushed decisions (at least at a lower pace in the J-league).

Apparently dude helped his boyhood club up from J2 to J1 and has remained loyal although he is too good for the team. Became captain at 22-23. I was very surprised to see someone like that at a game like that.

If there is a scout watching this forum he should take a look at those mentioned although the CB is the one to really watch a few games, he also just joined. Seems like a lot of Japanese players get their college degrees first and then really start to play more as they get in to their 20's, sort of like the NBA.

And no, it can't be solely on video. I saw what I saw live and then looked at the highlights but the tapes doesn't always do the players justice.

 

[Marwood]

Ha ha. After Ugarte, Mount, Antony, and selling McTom, Garna.

Perhaps re-phrase as can't get any worse...

Yeah it's weirdly a decent position to be in for the recruitment team. You can't make these midfield options worse really.

Somebody like me who just watches a bit of Prem football could scout a new midfield department.

Garner
Berge
Wharton
Anderson
Fernandes
Baleba(less so)
Scott

Any two of them would be an improvement even if it's tricky to say which two would be the best.

I think you have to look at what midfield trio would work in a post Bruno world because that's inevitably coming soon.

I think Garner, Anderson and Mainoo would be very good.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Don't know anyone still have the nerve to watch Ugarte playing more than 10min.I would rather have Heaven or Martinez as DMF. Buy a top level 6, sell Ugarte and replace him with another 6 or hybrid 6/8. Promote a Academy 6 if you like

We could be looking at a season with 50+ games, so squad depth is going to be absolutely crucial. I know some of you feel Ugarte is useless, but having him as a fourth-choice option is a sensible decision, whether you agree or not.

I understand the argument that a youth player might offer more, but that comes with risk. It’s possible we promote someone who then makes a breakthrough and overtakes Ugarte in the pecking order - like Mainoo did a couple of years ago. But going into such a demanding season, I think it’s vital to have four experienced professionals who understand the demands of top-level football.

Anderson
Mainoo
M Fernandes
Ugarte
Youth Player

 

[GazTheLegend]

At this point "anyone with legs" should be signed to replace Casemiro and Kobbie, shortly following the signings of "anyone that can kick a football without losing the ball instantly"

 

[GazTheLegend]

Yeah it's weirdly a decent position to be in for the recruitment team. You can't make these midfield options worse really.

Somebody like me who just watches a bit of Prem football could scout a new midfield department.

Garner
Berge
Wharton
Anderson
Fernandes
Baleba(less so)
Scott

Any two of them would be an improvement even if it's tricky to say which two would be the best.

I think you have to look at what midfield trio would work in a post Bruno world because that's inevitably coming soon.

I think Garner, Anderson and Mainoo would be very good.

Hahahaaaaaaa I like your logic

"Basically our midfield is so shambolic that literally any premier League level midfielder will seem like an improvement" is my thinking too.

 

[chris123]

Baleba and Anderson both fit next to Mainoo and could also play together, so them. Or at least players with that profile.

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

Anderson and Scott.

Tonali would be too expensive considering him being older than Anderson.

Don't trust Baleba's form.

 

[JohnyBuckets]

Somehow im quite confident our recruitment team will get it right. Seems to be many options that would compliment our team. 2 or 3 signings (3 if we sell ugarte, who we have to sell) I think 1 in each tear would be great for our team. Or 2-3 from the second tier... Im classifying on expected cost, immediate impact. The third tier I think has more risk
- Anderson
- Guimaraes
- Tonali

- Camavinga
- Wharton
- Garner
- Fernandes
- Gomes
- Scott
- S Berge
- Sangare

- Baleba
- Stiller
- Kees Smit

 

[davidmichael]

At this point Anderson and someone, who can sit and dictate play. We are too dependent on Bruno for creativity and desperately need someone with excellent passing ability and press resistance. A prime Carrick would be nice. A type of 6 like him and Anderson as the number 8 would definitely transform our standard of play. Unfortunately I don't know who that could be right now. Bruno Guimaraes can probably do it. Maybe Wharton, or Stiller. And dare I say: Frenkie de Jong.

This is why Anderson and Wharton is the best and most obvious pairing for us to sign as it basically covers everything we need, both PL proven quality and at a great age to improve whilst fitting Ineos ethos of signing players under 25 years old.

This would allow Mainoo to develop naturally as he and Wharton have a lot of similarities so could alternate, I do think we’d need a back up to Anderson so someone like Joao Gomes with his cheap relegation clause would be a good option as he’s better on the ball than Ugarte and would be happy with a squad role.

 

[BAMSOLA]

Johan Manzambi - will likely save us a ton of money as will be among Europe's best cms in a few seasons.

Arthur Atta - Another who could save us a fortune as is tailor made for the EPL and will soon be a Full French international IMO once he moves to a bigger club.

Aside from these two I'd like to see one possibly two senior (aged around 24 - 26) prem proven cms and would replace Atta with Wharton if available for a reasonable fee.

 

[goldenboy]

Johan Manzambi - will likely save us a ton of money as will be among Europe's best cms in a few seasons.

How would you see Manzambi fitting in playing wise at United?

 

[BAMSOLA]

How would you see Manzambi fitting in playing wise

As a dynamic box to box midfield he would be competing with kobbie as a rotation option but could on rare occasions play with him, with kobbie operating as a 6 (probably against weaker opponents). I'd see him as one of four first team cms for next season, and while he's not quite as technical as kobbie he is alot faster and more physical so posses more of an attacking threat.

 

[croadyman]

This is why Anderson and Wharton is the best and most obvious pairing for us to sign as it basically covers everything we need, both PL proven quality and at a great age to improve whilst fitting Ineos ethos of signing players under 25 years old.

This would allow Mainoo to develop naturally as he and Wharton have a lot of similarities so could alternate, I do think we’d need a back up to Anderson so someone like Joao Gomes with his cheap relegation clause would be a good option as he’s better on the ball than Ugarte and would be happy with a squad role.

What about Mateus Fernandes as his backup or do you think his price will be too prohibitive even if West Ham do end up still getting relegated instead of Spurs

 

[croadyman]

Somehow im quite confident our recruitment team will get it right. Seems to be many options that would compliment our team. 2 or 3 signings (3 if we sell ugarte, who we have to sell) I think 1 in each tear would be great for our team. Or 2-3 from the second tier... Im classifying on expected cost, immediate impact. The third tier I think has more risk
- Anderson
- Guimaraes
- Tonali

- Camavinga
- Wharton
- Garner
- Fernandes
- Gomes
- Scott
- S Berge
- Sangare

- Baleba
- Stiller
- Kees Smit

I am intrigued by Stiller as the third signing (if we can sell Ugarte) provided he's alongside someone athletic who can cover the ground allowing him to control tempo and find those passes which break the lines

 

[davidmichael]

What about Mateus Fernandes as his backup or do you think his price will be too prohibitive even if West Ham do end up still getting relegated instead of Spurs

Yes if West Ham went down then I’d be all for Fernandes but ideally I’d like Anderson and Wharton brought in and Mainoo competing with Wharton so the fourth choice would be back up for Anderson, I just don’t see Fernandes coming in to be back up although he may fancy himself to become a starter ahead of Wharton and Mainoo

 

[cyril C]

We could be looking at a season with 50+ games, so squad depth is going to be absolutely crucial. I know some of you feel Ugarte is useless, but having him as a fourth-choice option is a sensible decision, whether you agree or not.

I understand the argument that a youth player might offer more, but that comes with risk. It’s possible we promote someone who then makes a breakthrough and overtakes Ugarte in the pecking order - like Mainoo did a couple of years ago. But going into such a demanding season, I think it’s vital to have four experienced professionals who understand the demands of top-level football.

Anderson
Mainoo
M Fernandes
Ugarte
Youth Player

It comes back to my original question - Are you comfortable with ugarte playing more than 10min? If yes, then I have nothing to add. If no, then how do you feel he plays 90min game and 20 games a season. What is the point of having an expensive player who will never play more than 10min throughout the entire season?

The same argument is applying to Yoro, Malacia. For his age, I would at least put a bet on Yoro, but not Ugarte. If someone offer a decent package, trade him for someone more reliable, even if less gifted.

 

[zenith]

You sell Ugarte for whatever you can get and promote a wet sponge into the squad.
seriously, just take in a young talent for his spot.

I agree on Matheus Fernandes, but I have a feeling Anderson goes to Citeh.

In which case, it should be tonali and Fernandes. Those 2 have good athletic qualities, good on the ball and capable of playing no. 6 at a high level.

 

[Top_Bins]

In which case, it should be tonali and Fernandes. Those 2 have good athletic qualities, good on the ball and capable of playing no. 6 at a high level.

I'd agree, but Newcastle are going to price him out of a transfer.
He's probably an £80M player in the current market but they will want Isak money for him.

 

[pcaming]

We need 2 mobile and physical players, 1 that can defend well and 1 an expansive passer. Whoever fits that bill get them, I could care less about names, use the scouts.

 

[croadyman]

We need 2 mobile and physical players, 1 that can defend well and 1 an expansive passer. Whoever fits that bill get them, I could care less about names, use the scouts.

Feel Stiller has the passing range, however sounds like he hasn't the physicality needed though. So needs an Anderson/Tonali or Baleba (yes I know)

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

It comes back to my original question - Are you comfortable with ugarte playing more than 10min? If yes, then I have nothing to add. If no, then how do you feel he plays 90min game and 20 games a season. What is the point of having an expensive player who will never play more than 10min throughout the entire season?

The same argument is applying to Yoro, Malacia. For his age, I would at least put a bet on Yoro, but not Ugarte. If someone offer a decent package, trade him for someone more reliable, even if less gifted.

I’d be alright keeping him, but if the money was there, I wouldn’t be against moving him on either. That said, I do think people are going a bit over the top with the criticism of Ugarte. Is he amazing on the ball? Not really, but he’s got a role, especially as a fourth-choice option with proper experience at the top level.

Since coming to United, he’s never really had the benefit of playing next to a high-volume, ball-playing midfielder. It’s usually been Mainoo, Casemiro, or Fernandes dropping deeper. None of them really control games like that. Mainoo’s tidy and composed, but the other two are pretty high-risk in how they play.

What we’re missing is someone who can just dictate the tempo - high volume on the ball, low risk, keeps things ticking and sets the rhythm. The midfielders I mentioned would compliment him should we need to use Ugarte.

 

[croadyman]

I’d be alright keeping him, but if the money was there, I wouldn’t be against moving him on either. That said, I do think people are going a bit over the top with the criticism of Ugarte. Is he amazing on the ball? Not really, but he’s got a role, especially as a fourth-choice option with proper experience at the top level.

Since coming to United, he’s never really had the benefit of playing next to a high-volume, ball-playing midfielder. It’s usually been Mainoo, Casemiro, or Fernandes dropping deeper. None of them really control games like that. Mainoo’s tidy and composed, but the other two are pretty high-risk in how they play.

What we’re missing is someone who can just dictate the tempo - high volume on the ball, low risk, keeps things ticking and sets the rhythm. The midfielders I mentioned would compliment him should we need to use Ugarte.

You make a very valid point about him never having an opportunity to play alongside a ball playing midfielder. Having said that I can't see him being happy as a fourth choice option. So who would you like us to sign as that profile of CM because definitely need one?

 

[DiceRoller]

This isn’t FIFA. While strengthening centre midfield is clearly a priority, we also need to address other areas of the squad. Ideally, I’d like us to bring in three midfielders, but that ultimately depends on the available funds.

Because of that, there’s a real possibility we don’t end up signing midfielders. In that scenario, I’d much rather have Ugarte as a fourth option than go without, as relying solely on the three players I mentioned plus a youth player feels like too much of a risk.

It’s not FIFA that’s for sure. If it was you might get a half decent game out of Ugarte.

He’s genuinely one of the worst players I’ve seen play for Manchester United.

Let him nowhere near the pitch again.

Get what you can, cut your losses and move on.

 

[croadyman]

It’s not FIFA that’s for sure. If it was you might get a half decent game out of Ugarte.

He’s genuinely one of the worst players I’ve seen play for Manchester United.

Let him nowhere near the pitch again.

Get what you can, cut your losses and move on.

Get the impression finding a taker won't be easy