Manchester United enter the January transfer window with a structurally vulnerable midfield that has been repeatedly exposed throughout the 2025/2026 campaign.
Rúben Amorim’s system places heavy tactical and physical demands on the double-pivot; the current squad profiles lack the balance, control, and defensive presence required to stabilise the team.
Casemiro’s declining mobility and Bruno Fernandes’ advanced attacking orientation create a partnership that struggles to manage transitions, sustain pressure-resistant build-up, or provide reliable defensive coverage.
The alternatives, including Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, have not fully addressed these shortcomings, leaving the Red Devils without a consistent midfield foundation to support Amorim’s aggressive wing-back structure.
This report uses detailed data analysis to evaluate the profiles most suited to solving Manchester United’s midfield imbalance.
By examining both Man United’s current midfield metrics and the performance data of Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, we aim to determine which profile offers the strongest fit for Amorim’s tactical framework and the club’s long-term requirements.
Manchester United Midfield Flaws
Manchester United’s midfield issues across the first thirteen league matches of the 2025/2026 season stem primarily from the structural demands of Rúben Amorim’s system and the squad’s inability to supply the right profiles to operate within it.
Amorim typically deploys a double pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, a pairing that lacks natural balance.
Casemiro’s declining mobility leaves him exposed when facing the Premier League’s rapid transitional play.
While Bruno functions more as an advanced creator than a controlling midfielder, capable of dictating tempo or providing defensive stability.
The alternatives have not solved these gaps.
Manuel Ugarte, though industrious, struggles to provide composure in build-up, often rushing his decisions under pressure.
At the same time, Kobbie Mainoo still lacks the physical robustness and experience to consistently anchor midfield battles.
Within Amorim’s 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 structure, the wing-backs push high, meaning the central unit must cover large spaces, protect defensive transitions, and recycle possession under pressure.
Highlighting Manchester United Midfielders By Successful Defensive Actions
The lack of depth in this area, with summer recruitment prioritising attacking roles, means that even rotation or in-game adjustments do not meaningfully address the underlying imbalance, allowing the weakness to persist throughout the early campaign.
Midfield Profiles: Carlos Baleba Vs Adam Wharton
Manchester United currently face a dilemma in defining the ideal profile to operate within Rúben Amorim’s demanding system.
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