{"id":1445022,"date":"2026-04-24T11:21:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T10:21:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1445022"},"modified":"2026-04-24T11:21:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T10:21:21","slug":"tactical-analysis-man-utd-holding-midfield-targets","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-man-utd-holding-midfield-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd analysis: 6 defensive midfielders Red Devils could target this summer to replace Casemiro and rebuild midfield"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Manchester United will strengthen their midfield this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the worst kept secret in football. Having neglected a key area last year, we\u2019re expected to see United go all out to bolster in the middle of the park. With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to depart, there are set to be a number of new faces through the Carrington entrance this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>United&#8217;s midfield targets<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-aurelien-tchouameni-real-madrid\" data-level=\"3\">Aurelien Tchouameni &#8211; Real Madrid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-adam-wharton-crystal-palace\" data-level=\"3\">Adam Wharton &#8211; Crystal Palace<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ederson-atalanta\" data-level=\"3\">Ederson &#8211; Atalanta<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-sandro-tonali-newcastle\" data-level=\"3\">Sandro Tonali &#8211; Newcastle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-carlos-baleba-brighton\" data-level=\"3\">Carlos Baleba &#8211; Brighton<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-alex-scott-bournemouth\" data-level=\"3\">Alex Scott &#8211; Bournemouth<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>And with a 6 the priority, we\u2019ve picked out six 6s that United could target in the off-season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-aurelien-tchouameni-real-madrid\">Aurelien Tchouameni &#8211; Real Madrid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Real Madrid were happy to sanction Casemiro\u2019s 2022 move to Manchester United having signed Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco that same summer. History may yet repeat itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Casemiro\u2019s impending exit paves the way for Tchouameni to swap Madrid for Manchester, in theory anyway. Real Madrid will allow the Frenchman to leave provided they can bring in a replacement, with Rodri and Enzo Fernandez among those linked with a Bernabeu switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In truth, if United can lure Tchouameni to Old Trafford, then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/man-utd-transfers-aurelien-tchouameni-perfect-casemiro-replacement\/\">he\u2019d be a perfect fit for Michael Carrick\u2019s side<\/a>. The France international is a ball-winning machine, evidenced by a haul of 2.1 tackles per 90. An 81.8% tackle success rate is also a fine return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with an average of one foul committed per 90, Tchouameni knows how to time his tackling to perfection. Additionally, when the 26-year-old does regain the ball, he knows exactly how best to retain possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 91.4% pass accuracy from 64.9 passes per 90 is notable. It\u2019s also better than any other United player. His defensive resolve would allow his midfield partner &#8211; in all likelihood Kobbie Mainoo &#8211; the chance to push on and support the offensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, a signing of Tchouameni\u2019s calibre would be a huge signal of intent that would potentially convince talisman Bruno Fernandes to remain at Old Trafford. In short, Tchouameni should be United\u2019s top midfield target this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1445028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111254\/player_-radar-comparison.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adam-wharton-crystal-palace\">Adam Wharton &#8211; Crystal Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With Elliot Anderson expected to sign for Manchester City, United may turn their attention to another Premier League midfielder. Anderson\u2019s exploits for Nottingham Forest have overshadowed Adam Wharton\u2019s Crystal Palace form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Injury issues have restricted Wharton to just 26 league starts this season. Yet when he\u2019s featured for the Eagles, he\u2019s very much caught the eye. Indeed, he\u2019s averaging 2.5 tackles per 90 in England\u2019s top tier this term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, a 63.8% tackle success rate leaves a little to the imagination. This is particularly noteworthy in that Palace adopt a reactive gameplan. They see little of the ball and need their hard workers to rob opponents of possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conversely, Wharton\u2019s best qualities come to the fore when he is on the ball. A 79.1% pass accuracy from 42.8 passes per 90 may not read well, yet he\u2019s hugely effective and turning defence into attack with his range of passing. 1.3 chances created per 90 is a case in point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, Wharton would tick a homegrown box for United, which would be key ahead of their expected European return. Perhaps not a 6 in the same sense as Tchouameni, there\u2019s a very good reason why United have been credited with an interest in Wharton.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr \/>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-soa-bs4-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sky Bet Offer<\/a>: Get \u00a340 in free bets when you place any bet<\/h2>\r\n<p>Looking for some free bets to boost your betting fund? Sky Bet are offering customers the chance to get \u00a340 in free bets when they sign up and place any qualifying bet.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1422496\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-1024x290.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-1024x290.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-300x85.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-768x218.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-1536x435.png 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-400x113.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-600x170.png 600w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-212x60.png 212w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-150x43.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-40x11.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143.png 2036w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Sign up at Sky Bet<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0using this link<\/li>\r\n<li>Place a qualifying bet of at least 5p on a single or each way bet at odds of 1\/1 or greater, as your first bet<\/li>\r\n<li>Claim your \u00a340 free bet bonus<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h5 class=\"bookmaker-row exclusive\" style=\"text-align: center;\" data-filter=\"  all-bookmakers free-bets in-play new-bookmaker world-cup-offers\">18+ NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE &amp; E\/W BET ONLY ODDS OF 1\/1 OR GREATER. 4 X \u00a310 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&amp;CS APPLY.<\/h5>\r\n<hr \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ederson-atalanta\">Ederson &#8211; Atalanta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Casting the net to Italy, Ederson has previously been linked with a move to England. The Brazilian came close to a January switch to Atletico Madrid, a transfer that ultimately fell through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Atletico would be expected to firm up their interest in Ederson this summer. That said, they\u2019d face competition from Premier League suitors. Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on the Atalanta man. So, too, are United.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In United\u2019s bid to bring in a 6, interest in Ederson shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise. After all, the 26-year-old is one of the best balling winning midfielders in Italy, as evidenced by an average of 2.4 tackles per 90. A 73.9% tackle success rate is also commendable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An 89.2% pass accuracy from 55.1 passes per 90 warrants praise. Atalanta would be reluctant to lose one of their key assets and would demand a hefty fee for Ederson. He\u2019d be worth the asking price, however.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1445029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111409\/player_-radar-comparison-1.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sandro-tonali-newcastle\">Sandro Tonali &#8211; Newcastle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Back on deadline day, Arsenal were supposedly considering a speculative bid to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. Ultimately, the deal failed to come to fruition. Saying that, the Italian is expected to depart St. James\u2019 Park this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arsenal would again be in for Tonali. As would a number of European heavyweights. Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid have all been keeping tabs on the former AC Milan man\u2019s situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>United have also tentatively been linked with a move for Tonali. The issue, though, is that the 25-year-old isn\u2019t a number 6 by any stretch. Rather, Tonali is best-served with the license to push forward to operate as a link-up man between the midfield and attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carrick already has a number 8 to call upon in Mainoo. That\u2019s not to say United shouldn\u2019t look to add bodies to the midfield. Should Mainoo succumb to injury, then they\u2019d need a deputy in midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, with a bidding war for Tonali expected, United would be better served steering clear of the Italy international.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-carlos-baleba-brighton\">Carlos Baleba &#8211; Brighton<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Manchester United\u2019s 6 conundrum could have already been rectified. Once the attack and goalkeeper was sorted last summer, United pushed to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Seagulls, though, demanded upwards of \u00a3100m to cash in on the Cameroon international. The fee was too much for United having already spent big to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the rumours of an Old Trafford switch had a negative impact on Baleba. The 22-year-old\u2019s form has dipped considerably this season, so much so that he\u2019s been limited to a bit-part role since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is still a player there, however. He didn\u2019t become a poor midfielder overnight. 1.9 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per 90 are still commendable hauls for Baleba. Crucially, too, is that Brighton wouldn\u2019t be able to command a nine-figure sum given his sub-par season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A change of scenery would be beneficial for the player, who is still considered one of the best young ball winners in Europe. If United can negotiate a lower fee with Brighton, then it might be worth returning to the south coast in their quest to add to the midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1445030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/24111514\/player_-radar-comparison-2.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-alex-scott-bournemouth\">Alex Scott &#8211; Bournemouth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alex Scott\u2019s recent Bournemouth showings have certainly caught the eye. A key player in the Cherries\u2019 unbeaten run that has thrust them back into European contention, Scott is now being linked with a high-profile summer switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>United are believed to be keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, and for good reason. The youngster has come on leaps and bounds since swapping Bristol for Bournemouth in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Saying that, if the question is to find a number 6 for United, then Scott isn\u2019t the answer. That\u2019s not to say he doesn\u2019t put in the hard yards off the ball, as evidenced by 1.9 tackles per 90.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, like Tonali, Scott is better served in the number 8 role. He\u2019d provide sufficient cover and competition for Mainoo in the other midfield position in Carrick\u2019s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He <em>can<\/em> play as a holding midfielder. However, his best role is as a box-to-box star. Having him operate as a 6 would be a waste of his talents.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Manchester United will strengthen their midfield this summer. It\u2019s the worst kept secret in football. Having neglected a key area last year, we\u2019re expected to see United go all out to bolster in the middle of the park. With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to depart, there are set to be a number of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1445024,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Manchester United plan a major midfield rebuild this summer, with six defensive midfield targets - including Aurelien Tchouameni and Ederson - assessed as potential replacements for Casemiro.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1445022","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Man Utd analysis: 6 defensive midfielders Red Devils could target this summer to replace Casemiro and rebuild midfield | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Manchester United plan a major midfield rebuild this summer, with six defensive midfield targets - 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