Five athletic midfielders Manchester United could target | OneFootball

Manchester United want to sign an ‘athletic’ midfielder to fit Ruben Amorim’s style this summer, but who could be on the clubs’ radar?

United’s rebuild under Amorim is beginning to take shape. Matheus Cunha has arrived from Wolves to fill one of the specialist advanced roles, while talks are ongoing to bring in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo to join him. A goalkeeper, centre-forward and at least one ‘athletic’ midfielder are also on the radar, though sales may be required to fund further business.

Manuel Ugarte, despite previous experience under Amorim, struggled during his first season in England, while an ageing Casemiro or deeper-lying Bruno Fernandes do not appear idealistic for the demands of the manager’s system.

We’ve profiled five midfielders who could fit the brief.

Felix Nmecha – Borussia Dortmund

Felix Nmecha has been linked with Manchester United, according to reports in Germany. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is a well-rounded talent who could help solve Amorim’s build-up issues.

An intelligent counter-presser, he ranks in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe for tackles won in the final third. Crucially, he’s comfortable manoeuvring away from pressure in a deeper role. His take-ons per game and percentage of successful take-ons both rank in the top 15% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

Nmecha also has previous experience of English football, having spent time in the Manchester City academy as a teenager.

Amadou Onana – Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s concerns with Premier League Profit and Sustainability could lead to sales this summer. Manchester United have been linked with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but could Amadou Onana be a better option?

The Belgium international covers space superbly, and is both an aerial presence and an excellent dribbler in possession.

Last season, Onana ranked in the top 15% of Premier League midfielders for interceptions, aerial duels won and successful take-on percentage. Signed for £40m last summer, it would take a high fee to prise him from Villa Park. However, the 23-year-old has a Premier League-proven skillet that ticks plenty of boxes.

Carlos Baleba – Brighton

The latest top talent off the Brighton production line. Brighton have signed, nurtured and sold midfielders including Yves Bissouma and Moises Caicedo for large fees in recent seasons and Carlos Baleba looks like another set to earn the Seagulls a fortune.

The Cameroonian combines strength with expansive long distribution and an ability to carry the ball forward through lines. He ranked third in the Premier League for line-breaking carries last season. Just 21, his ceiling is high, but prising him from Brighton would be no easy feat.

Douglas Luiz – Juventus

Douglas Luiz left the Premier League for Juventus last summer but endured an underwhelming first season in Turin. The Brazilian failed to live up to expectations in Italy and has been linked with a return to English football.

For the right price, Luiz could be a shrewd signing. He was a driving force in Aston Villa’s qualification for the Champions League in 2023/24, having been named the club’s Player of the Season a year earlier.

Still just 27, he will not want another season of struggle with the World Cup looming next summer.

Joao Palhinha – Bayern Munich

Another player whose exit from the Premier League has not worked out as anticipated. Joao Palhinha led English football’s top division for tackles won in successive seasons at Fulham before earning a move to Bayern Munich in 2024.

He started just six times for the German champions, who are open to offers for the midfielder this summer. Palhinha played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and has the physical presence that could lift the Manchester United midfield.

His tenacious ball-winning and size could complement compatriot Bruno Fernandes if the duo were paired in Amorim’s two-man pivot.

Read – Premier League players whose contracts expire on July 1st

See more – The astonishing amount Chelsea have paid Brighton since 2022

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