Manchester United are set to kick off the 2025/2026 Premier League season with a blockbuster clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford this Sunday.
Fans are excited, the stadium will be buzzing, and optimism is high after a busy summer transfer window.
United have signed a striker, two attacking midfielders for the No.10 role, and a left-back. But one question remains: who will control the midfield?
The midfield is the heart of any team, and United have not strengthened this area as much as they might have hoped.
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Ruben Amorim, United’s head coach, is facing a challenge. His midfield options may be exposed immediately against Arsenal, who boast two of the league’s finest midfielders: Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal have also added Martín Zubimendi, another top-class midfielder, making United’s midfield gap even more concerning.
United’s current midfield options include Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro. But will this group be enough in a tough opening game?
Amorim likes to play with two midfielders in the pivot. Fernandes has occasionally filled one of these spots, but pairing him with Ugarte, Mainoo, or Casemiro may not provide enough balance or protection.
Ugarte’s situation is telling. United signed him from Paris Saint-Germain just a year ago for €50million (£42.3m), plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons. Yet, the club is already looking for another player like him.
His performances have been mixed, and he hasn’t completely nailed down his role in the team.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is reportedly on United’s radar. But he comes with a hefty price tag.
Brighton value the 21-year-old at around £100million and are keen to keep him for at least another season.
United are expected to test Brighton’s stance, but negotiating such a high-profile transfer will not be easy. Tony Bloom’s team has a reputation for hard bargains and high transfer fees.
The opening game against Arsenal could be a defining moment. If Arsenal dominate the midfield, it may show just how urgent United’s need for a new midfielder really is.
A similar situation occurred in the 2022/2023 season. United lost 2-1 to Brighton and were hammered 4-0 by Brentford in the first two games.
Those defeats exposed the midfield weakness and led to the signing of Casemiro for defensive cover. United are unlikely to face the same disaster this season, but the first match against Arsenal could highlight the gap again.
Amorim, naturally, would prefer to start the season with a win rather than have a defeat push the board into action.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford is expected to be electric, giving United a potential boost even if midfield concerns linger.
Speaking after United’s final pre-season friendly, Amorim hinted at the need for reinforcements.
He told MUTV: “I think it was a perfect game for preparation to show us we need to improve in different areas that we are going to struggle in some moments. But sometimes we have players who can make a play and elevate the stadium.”
It’s clear Amorim was referring to the midfield. The comments suggest that he wants a new signing to strengthen the engine room of his team.
United’s fans will be watching closely to see if the club can bridge the midfield gap before the season truly begins.
The opening weekend clash with Arsenal will not only be a test for the players but also for the club’s transfer strategy.
If United fail to secure a new midfielder soon, the early games could expose vulnerabilities that could haunt them all season.
Yet, hope remains. With strong attacking options and an electric crowd behind them, United have the tools to make a statement, even if the midfield is not yet fully settled.
Ruben Amorim’s challenge is clear: navigate the season successfully while pushing for reinforcements to finally solve United’s midfield puzzle.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Manchester United can turn optimism into results or if the midfield dilemma will continue to shadow Old Trafford.
