Manchester United Targets Midfield Overhaul Amid Key Departures

Manchester United are fully focused on developing their midfield this summer, building on the recent recontracting of Kobbie Mainoo.

The United academy graduate has recently signed a new contract, extending his stay at Old Trafford until 2031 after reclaiming his first-team spot under Michael Carrick.

While Mainoo is now set to be a long-term key member of the United midfield, his partner in the middle of the pitch, Casemiro, is set to leave this summer.

The veteran midfielder is coming to the end of his contract, and as such is looking for his next club, with LA Galaxy and Inter Miami looking to be front-runners.

However, he’s not the only midfielder headed for an exit this summer, with the club looking to offload Manuel Ugarte after a failed stint with The Red Devils.

After arriving from PSG in 2024 for £50 million, Ugarte hasn’t established himself or justified his price tag, so United are looking to cash in on the Uruguay international this summer.

Manchester United’s summer plans for midfield and replacing Casemiro

With both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte looking to leave this summer, Manchester United are in need of replacing the pair.

However, The Daily Mail has now reported that United are looking at signing three new midfielders in the summer, with a £150 million budget set for the trio.

Of this, £80 million has been put aside specifically for Casemiro’s replacement, while the remaining £50 million are for Ugarte’s replacement and another £20 million for further squad depth.

It’s well known that United’s priority targets to replace Casemiro are costing above the £80 million earmarked figure, with the likes of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson costing over £100 million.

Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is also in the mix alongside Anderson, along with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni.

While interest in Tonali has gone somewhat quieter, and Tchouameni is keen to remain with Los Blancos, United’s pursuit for their new midfielders is sure to dominate the summer transfers at Old Trafford.