Transfer Centre

Manchester United to move for two central midfielders this summer?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 20 April 2024

Man Utd to move for two central midfielders this summer?

Manchester United could move for two new central midfielders when this summer's transfer window opens for business, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly considering moving for two new central midfielders when this summer's transfer window opens for business.

The Red Devils are unlikely to be present in next season's Champions League, as they currently sit down in seventh spot in the Premier League table, 13 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

It is still expected to be a busy market for the 20-time English champions, though, with the club set to be active under the guidance of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Man United are set to move for a centre-back and centre-forward this summer, while a new central midfielder is also expected to arrive ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, two new players could be targeted in the middle of the park, with Casemiro's future at Old Trafford far from clear.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on September 30, 2023 © Reuters

Man United could be in the market for a Casemiro replacement

Man United head coach Erik ten Hag spoke of the importance of Casemiro during his press conference on Friday and hinted that the Brazil captain would be staying with the club this summer amid the speculation surrounding his future.

However, Ten Hag could be replaced at the end of the season, and it is believed that the club are willing to listen to offers for Casemiro, who has found it difficult to show his best form this term.

Christian Eriksen is also likely to leave, with the Denmark international finding it difficult to secure regular action since Kobbie Mainoo's emergence.

Meanwhile, Sofyan Amrabat is not expected to be signed on a permanent basis from Fiorentina, with the Morocco international struggling to show his best form this term.

As a result, two new central midfielders could arrive rather than one, although much will depend on the size of the club's transfer budget and how many players depart.

Benfica's Joao Neves during the warm up before the match on January 14, 2024 © Reuters

Which midfielders could be targeted by Man United?

Joao Neves is believed to be Man United's leading midfield target, but it will be difficult to sign the Portugal international during this summer's transfer window.

Neves has a release clause of €120m (£102m) in his current deal, and Benfica could demand that it is paid in full, which would mean that Man United would need to break their transfer record to sign him.

The 19-year-old has made 51 appearances for his Portuguese club this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists in the process, and he is regarded as one of the best young talents in European football.

Everton's Amadou Onana and Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand are also being linked with switches to Old Trafford, and both could be more realistic options than Neves.

Much will depend on Casemiro's future, though, with a decision on the 32-year-old needing to be made before the club's midfield plans for the summer market can be finalised.