Amorim weighs midfield options for Manchester United

Amorim signals readiness to rely on current midfield options while keeping a late move possible before the season opener.

Amorim weighs midfield options for Manchester United

Ruben Amorim addressed Manchester United's midfield options ahead of the season opener with Arsenal, stressing that the team has four central midfielders available and can win games with the players on the books. He hinted Mason Mount could operate in a different role if the club pursues a midfielder, but added the squad is prepared to cope as the campaign unfolds.

United have not closed the door on a midfield arrival, but talks to sign Carlos Baleba appear unlikely to progress this summer. Toby Collyer is set for a West Brom loan, Casemiro’s contract runs until next year, and Kobbie Mainoo alongside Manuel Ugarte have started only ten midfield appearances between them. Bruno Fernandes is expected to start versus Arsenal, with Casemiro featuring in three of the five pre-season games. Ugarte and Mainoo played together in the win over West Ham and the draw with Everton in pre-season. Hojlund’s future remains unclear amid reported interest from AC Milan after Benjamin Sesko’s arrival. Hojlund scored twice in a friendly but was benched in a subsequent match, and Joshua Zirkzee has resumed squad training and could feature in the early season matchday plans.

Amorim’s comments reveal a manager trying to balance confidence in his current squad with the practical reality of a thin midfield arc. The risk for United is relying on a core group that has little recent time together, especially if Baleba cannot be secured and Collyer departs on loan. The Mount option adds flexibility, but a longer-term plan seems dependent on how the squad performs in early fixtures. Hojlund’s unsettled situation compounds the uncertainty, since forward-line continuity often dictates midfield shape. In short, United are choosing patience over a single blockbuster signing, betting on depth built through competition and time.

Highlights

The coming weeks will test whether United can turn depth into consistent results.