Man United can sign dream Manuel Ugarte teammate to unleash Bruno Fernandes with £85m transfer

Manchester United’s midfield in the past four months has gone from one depleted of quality, energy and skill to compete to no longer being an area of concern for Ruben Amorim.

Back in the final game of 2024, United were outclassed in every department by Newcastle United at Old Trafford, losing 2-0. Over 73,000 spectators witnessed a downbeat United fail to challenge Eddie Howe’s side with gapping holes in Amorim’s system continuing to hinder them.

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were United’s midfield two on the night and were levels off Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. As a result, Casemio was an unused substitute for the next five league games and Eriksen played just 11 minutes of Premier League football before March 9.

Summer signing Manuel Ugarte, who cost an initial fee of £42million, became a regular as the season unfolded and Amorim discovered a hidden gem in placing captain Bruno Fernandes slightly deeper to orchestrate play.

Recently, Casemiro has enjoyed a sweet revival of his career at Old Trafford and is now viewed as undroppable. In the two Europa League semi-final victories over Athletic Bilbao, Ugarte and Casemiro have started with Fernandes playing alongside Alejandro Garnacho.

Mason Mount’s return to injury, and form, gives Amorim more flexibility in the attacking midfielder roles while Kobbie Mainoo has often replaced one of Ugarte or Casemiro.

Now 33, relying on Casemiro to start week in, week out, should United make it to the Champions League wouldn’t be Amorim’s smartest idea since arriving. Despite his turnaround in recent weeks, new blood is needed with the Brazilian being more of a squad player.

United’s priority for the summer transfer window is clearly to improve the attack for next