Manchester United’s biggest weakness is under the spotlight.
Even before the season kicked off, Manchester United supporters could see that the midfield was the team’s biggest question mark.
Ruben Amorim has focused his set up on the pairing of two players over 30, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
And by the large part, he has got by, but it’s clear that this is not a long term answer.
In the second half of Sunday’s game against Aston Villa, United had neither, with Casemiro suspended and Fernandes injured.
While Casemiro is set to return, this is offset by Kobbie Mainoo being out injured too.
Along with Fernandes, both face a spell on the sidelines, limiting United’s options to Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
And that’s a big problem.
Man Utd must make Ruben Neves call
The January transfer window is approaching, bringing an opportunity to strengthen the team.
United have been linked with making a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65 million release clause.
It is a really tempting opportunity and one that United are interested in pursuing.
But there is no getting away from the fact that Semenyo is more of a luxury than a necessity.
Manchester United have been linked with making a move for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, who is keen on a return to the Premier League.
The Times report Neves could be available for as little as £18 million, as he is now entering the final few months of his contract.
This is an opportunity United would be wise to pursue.
Neves is experienced in the Premier League, thanks to his previous spell at Wolves, and is still playing international football at a high level with Portugal.
At 28, Neves could make an impact for United for medium-term period, not just a short-term fix.
Right now, bring in a top all-rounder like Neves would be the smartest move United could make, with Mainoo suffering an injury.
Neves would be a proper fix
Manchester United experimented by playing Lisandro Martinez in the midfield role against Aston Villa.
Martinez was fine as a fill-in. He might need to do the same in upcoming matches. But this is not a long-term solution.
Manchester United need midfielders playing in midfield, and Neves is a player who should jump at the chance to switch to Old Trafford.
He has already played alongside Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot for Portugal, and Matheus Cunha for Wolves.
His signing would enable United to gradually phase out Casemiro, act as a replacement for Ugarte, and even possibly facilitate a Mainoo loan move.
But in the short-term, he would provide injury relief, and make United tougher to beat.
Then, you can add in Antoine Semenyo.
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