Manchester United strengthened multiple areas of the team during the summer transfer window, with the midfield department being the only exception.
Ineos prioritised attacking signings at the beginning of the transfer window, with Ruben Amorim keen to add goals to his side that managed just 44 goals in the Premier League last season.
Rasmus Hojlund left for Napoli after two difficult seasons at Old Trafford, after Benjamin Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig. United had already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as Ineos focused on players with Premier League experience.
United also brought in young left wing-back Diego Leon, before spending £18.2m on Senne Lammens on deadline day.
It was another transfer window where United ignored the long-standing issues in midfield. Although Ineos cannot be expected to complete a full squad rebuild in their second summer transfer window.
Man Utd considered move for Roméo Lavia
Despite not signing a new midfielder in the summer transfer market, United approached Brighton to sign Carlos Baleba.
Baleba will likely remain on United’s transfer wish list, which also consisted of Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.
United In Focus has learned that United made an enquiry about Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia in the final weeks of the transfer window.
In conversation with UiF, Graeme Bailey provided further details on United’s attempt to sign Lavia.
“Manchester United did plenty of work on potential midfield options towards the end of the window, as we know,” Bailey said.
“Speaking to sources, away from the likes of Baleba, Hjulmand and Gallagher – another they did ask about was Lavia.
“Lavia is a very interesting option and not one Chelsea thought about letting go am told, but let’s see what happens with him. Andrey Santos has come in now too, things could be different in January.”
After multiple injury setbacks, Lavia managed just 18 appearances last season, but Enzo Maresca has praised his performances when available.
Man Utd have fewer options in midfield than last season
United’s midfield suffered in most games last season. They were overrun by teams up and down the league, meaning a shake-up was required.
One midfielder has left since then, with Christian Eriksen yet to find a new club as a free agent.
However, United have fewer games this season after failing to qualify for Europe. They’ve also suffered early elimination in the Carabao Cup.
Amorim must find a solution in midfield by working with the players he has available, including Kobbie Mainoo, despite reports that the midfield ace wanted to leave the club on loan.
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