Ruben Amorim has already hinted at harsh reality over Manchester United midfield search
Man Utd could be in the market for a midfield signing as early as January.
It is no secret Manchester United would like to sign a midfielder in the January transfer window. It should also be no secret just how hard that might be.
United have prioritised an overhaul of the position next year, with at least two additions wanted. That could even reach three, depending on whether they qualify for European competition, and if any follow Casemiro out of the door when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Ruben Amorim has made it his preference to sign a midfielder with Premier League experience as he feels there is less 'risk' attached to those who have already played in the English top-flight. The United head coach wants to improve the physicality of his midfield, not only in their ability to dominate any opponent, but also their durability to do so twice a week throughout an entire campaign.
The success of United's midfield refresh could even hold the key to their overall success under Amorim. It is the most important position on the pitch and the area in which they are furthest behind the top sides in the Premier League.
Carlos Baleba remains a target after Brighton ruled out a summer move to Manchester, while Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest gem Elliot Anderson and Brentford youngster Yehor Yarmoliuk are also of interest. It is too early to name any player as the preferred target, though and United will be aware of any market opportunities that might unexpectedly arise.
Even though it is such a glaring priority, it might not be addressed in the January window. Speaking last month, Amorim admitted there was an obvious need to further strengthen his squad, but reiterated there was little purpose in signing anyone as a short-term fix if they did not represent long-term value.
"We want to bring players, everyone here, we want to bring players that we can see a big future in Manchester United," he said. "We are not just buying one guy because now we feel in December that we need this kind of player for now. We want to buy players that we know we are not going to change a lot of times. So that is our idea. I don't know what is going to happen. But of course, we think about how we can improve the team, and in January, the window is open, we can do something."
It is highly unlikely United will be able to sign a top Premier League-proven midfielder midway through a season, and even if they could, they would have to pay a huge premium to make it happen. The harsh reality is that United might only be presented with stop-gaps in January, something Amorim sees little value in.
This is also the reason why a loan exit for Kobbie Mainoo seems unlikely. The 20-year-old might be unhappy with his lack of playing time, but he is still fourth-choice at the very worst, and it would only take one injury or suspension for him to be handed a chance in the starting line up again. From a selfish perspective, there is no need to let him leave, and if they took such an unnecessary risk, it could easily backfire and derail their ambition of a top-six finish this season.
United will still entertain any serious proposal in January, though there is no way they will allow Mainoo to leave without an adequate replacement, something that seems just as unlikely. A midfield refresh is the priority, but it might have to wait until next summer.
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