How Manchester United Can Rebuild Their Midfield

Despite an impressive debut campaign where the Brazilian guided United back into the Champions League, the FA Cup Final after lifting the Carabao Cup, Casemiro has dropped off massively in his second season and has missed more than 50% of the matches through injury or suspension. Combine the absence of Casemiro with no established number 8 and Manchester United are without a midfield. So today, Statman Dave takes a broad look at how Man Utd can rebuild their midfield, taking a look at tactics & strategy, potential player profiles and transfers that fit the bill.
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[@Primitive01]

I think United’s biggest issue this season is fitness.. Played over 60 games last season on top of having the third most players go to a mid season World Cup.. And then they went and played EIGHT pre season games and Ten Hag no doubt worked them hard during pre season to try and build fitness which has clearly backfired.. United’s players are knackered and picking up injuries every game.. Going out of Europe all together may be a blessing in disguise, the players have looked shattered from day one..

[@coachr.kmakoni4654]

Been saying this for a while bt noone seems to want to listen

[@Primitive01]

@@coachr.kmakoni4654 Doesn’t matter if people listen, people listening on the internet won’t change anything.. All that really matters is you understand the issue and back your team no matter what.

[@luckythrone893]

totally, our style forces wingers and other attackers to run around and try to defend when we are not in possession which is for most of the game and the same players are playing every other game. This is why players are dropping like flies. One game a week is certainly a blessing, even if we made it out of the group we would have been knocked out instantly. Also Bruno's crossing and overall game haven't been on point recently and the ban against liverpool would be good for him and the team

[@zeeone4492]

Not all players played all preseason games

[@Primitive01]

@@zeeone4492 Not all players played the 60 games plus the World Cup last season.. Everyone has been able to see from the start of the season United’s players are knackered.

[@Shappy86]

André is a big yes from me. But rather than blow 80-100m on Joao Neves I think there are smarter options out there. I think Mainoo has fantastic potential and I'm also not sure another teenage midfielder is the way to go. I'd bring in Khephren Thuram from Nice. Dynamic box to box player who can carry the ball through midfield with powerful dribbling reminiscent of Yaya Toure. He would add some power to the midfield without sacrificing technical ability.

[@phightinphil25]

I think we should buy about 3-4 teenaged to young 20's midfielders and play 1 maybe 2 of them while loaning the other 1 or 2 hopefully between that group and Mainoo, Gore, and Hannibal we have something to work with long term.

[@zumbi2000]

If the Sir Jim thing happens I suspect we’ll see him and Todibo in United shirts By summer if not in January

[@conor0008]

People forget how terrifyingly bad we were when Casemiro didnt okay last year. I remember losing my mind when he got that suspension for a yellow card against Crystal Palace. I think he has another bit of gas in the tank.

[@nickraoyj]

I think that's precisely why we NEED to sell him ASAP, while he still has some gas left.

[@chineduakujobi4070]

Nice Analysis. U say it all

[@westington1]

Yeah he was the so often the difference between us playing well or playing badly last season. He had a few bad games at the start of this season, then this long injury and loads of fans have completely written him off. He’s surely got more gas in the tank, and perhaps a couple of really good seasons left in him; I’d like to see a fit Casemiro alongside Kobbie in midfield. With Martinez back I think that trio would really shore us up defensively, but also allow us a lot more control of the game and allow us to retain possession a lot more. We’ve lacked that building block and spine this year, and everything goes off that - hopefully would see the attackers freed up more, and give them more space and the base from which to make attacking runs and generally provide more movement in the attack. We’re certainly short a few players - the right wing needs sorting out as i don’t see what Antony brings at all atm, but getting our spine back our leader in defence in Martinez, would surely make a big difference to everything we’re doing at present)

[@emmanuelonyono4517]

I will add "Wirtz "the creative force to that Midfield you mentioned Bruno is getting aged and also he has been playing consistently without resting

[@mimikolomamu]

He is not rest because he is overrated by the managers....

[@grahamallan101]

Only issue I have with Koobie, Andre and Neves is they are all small at 5’9. You need good height and heading ability in the PL and we have a few small players already.

[@RedDevilDog1207]

Same with Gore... both are fantastic otherwise

[@beatty1229]

Koobie grew a few. He’s closer to 6’ now. I thought FC24 got it wrong then I saw him standing on the pitch. Taller than Bruno, but just a bit shorter than Marcus.

[@beatty1229]

Also, in the 3:38 frame, you can see he’s same height or taller than Garnacho and Hannibal, who are listed at 5’11/6’

[@thebizness5596]

Kobbie is still growing mate. He shot up over the summer, he's like 5'11 and naturally strong but nonetheless he has got a leap on him so height is not much of a concern as he is also a clever player.

[@luckythrone893]

yes pep figured this out in the past couple of years and focused on bringing strong players to dominate. Stones, dias, gvardiol, akanji, rodri, neves, haaland are all much taller than 6 feet

[@Charlie_Alpha_Lima]

De Gea's golden glove last season revolved around That Casemiro, The Butcher, Varane triangle. We bring that back, the midfield will practically take care of itself. It'll also be a good protective base for Mount to join. That guy will prove to be a very shrewd signing for us. Our biggest problem really is our wingers, fullbacks and Bruno not feeding Hojlund

[@RedDevilDog1207]

Agree, think that's why Onana isn't confident at times. Playing behind Maguire, Evans, Shaw and Lindelof is far cry from the 3 who killed it lats season.

[@ddonchiji]

True. Garnacho, Rashford, Antony, Pellestri offer close to nothing offensively and too little defensively. Bruno doesn't do much also.

[@Th3L0wK1]

Don’t forget the waste of money goalkeeper that already needs to be replaced.

[@zeeone4492]

😂

[@zeeone4492]

​@Th3L0wK1gteat keeper not playing well atm

[@ethicalelectricalgroupltd3153]

Stat man Dave for United director of football 👌🏻

[@najibwarsame8003]

He just says stuff based entirely on stats that can’t be how you measure likelihood of success hopefully we can get Monaco’s ex head of recruitment

[@f3artem410]

>We don't have any money >Let's sign Joao Neves Ok

[@bazza2454]

>There is something called selling players Ok?

[@joaquinandremarquezvera6515]

>there is something call, nobody want our overpayed players Ok ?

[@bazza2454]

@@joaquinandremarquezvera6515 >yeah your right no club in the world want r players! Ok!

[@Thetalisman343]

I don't think it's necessary to target neves due to his price tag he will not go for less than 60m which is ridiculous considering that you will be signing him for his potential. So I just think we should think about bulidning Kobbie Mainoo who in my opinion has a higher ceiling of potential than Neves

[@mrludders4712]

Andre will be perfect for Utd but like all the other great young talents will end up at our rivals. I’m getting bored of Utd missing these targets now! What is it that our scouting guys actually do for there money.

[@CosMoDrakE26]

My 3 buys for midfield - Andre (DM) - Youssouf Fofana (B2B) - Aleix Garcia (AM) Add them to an existing Mainoo, Bruno, Amrabat and Hannibal and we have a good midfield for next season. Best thing, all 3 together should cost less than 100m

[@yelladean2598]

arsenal started playing good football last year not the last three seasons people seem to forget that arteta use to play with a back 5 at one point

[@THENAGES]

They're hypocrites

[@manny6669]

@@THENAGESbeen saying this the whole season Plus we only play 2 games in January, what would give the coach and the recruitment a bit of time to sort out the mess that is this season

[@claywandera2486]

man utd should look into their academy more often for those bright stars and groom them. i think this should be the first step. look at bringing in high potential players for the future and present use in the team especially in midfield and defence because those two areas have many in their peak ages and career points. so the recruitment should be for high ceiling players who will grow into the team on ocassion. comfortable roatation palyers but also good potential starters mainoo should be built to fill cm and cdm roles as both positions seem to require almost the same capabilities. but for now could play cm along side amrabat given the injuries. i would add alex scott who can play cm and cam comfortably. if amrabat deal were to not be made permanent then they would look for a cdm but still below 23 age profile and charlie patino comes to mind. talents like dan gore, shea are all meant to be into consideration of the team. utd could do with selling some players. the cheap options in the midfield and selling some creates resources to bloaster the centre back area as they need a person that can start but also young and these will be expensive

[@Kevin-uc9fw]

Spot on statman dave

[@rumiquedavids7275]

People saying Bruno can't play well in a possession based system is just erroneous. The guy is so fit that he picks up positions to receive the ball so much. And the difficult passess that he makes look easy to just keep the ball possession is also overlooked. I think fans are forgetting how we struggled with key passess before Bruno arrived. This team does not afford Bruno to be passive during games. This team requires him to be creative and take risks until we have a team that can play well together.

[@yip2454]

lol no he is the main guy that lose possession

[@paingainmayn]

And what are we now? Luton Town have scored two fewer goals than us. We have a negative 3 goal different which might be -10 after these next fixtures. Bruno creates "chances" but they are low percentage. He also takes every damn setpiece (badly). Bruno trying to pad his stats is part of the problem.

[@lanat9172]

100% agree, Bruno is the most overhated player in the pl

[@rumiquedavids7275]

@@paingainmayn please do express your opinion. It's ok. But Bruno currently leading for chance creation and created most chances in epl last season. But without his way of playing who is going to create chances in this team? I'm sure Mbappe will struggle in this team. You need a group of players that plays well together to see the best of each individual player. This group does not play well together. How in thr world do you expect them to keep and move the ball quickly. In fact, i'll rather have little possession then passing the ball around without threatening to score. Watch the matches that Bruno does not play in over and you'll notice the difference. Altough it will be hard to find them, because he always plays other then beloved players that can't even pitch for training and matches for the fans who pays their wages...

[@chriswood753]

Are you serious ? Bruno gives the ball away far too much trying silly passes. Then he's not quick enough to get back to help the midfield out. He can't tackle, he's physically weak, he can't dribble past players and his attitude stinks. Teams are actually setting their counter attack when Bruno plays a forward pass if you watch. Yes, he's predictable and a liability. He's a luxury player for a dominant team!!! United aren't dominant unfortunately so drop him.

[@diskjokey1993]

Thanks for the video buddy. From my perspective, rebuilding Man United will have to do a defensive revamping first as this football club cannot rely on Maguire 30yrs and Evans 36yrs + have proper fullbacks. Changing the defensive setup will strengthen the team and give more confidence. Then recruiting proper midfielders like you said will be important. It will be crucial finding the next Modric and Ngolo Kante. Then finding proper wingers like Doku, Leao, Vinicius. So there need to be good scouting, talent development and vision to succeed in this gigantic mission

[@mediocremashedmattato5563]

Fernandes, Neves, Andre, Mainoo, Amrabat, Meijbri and Gore. Thats a good group of young midfielders complimented by the experience of Fernandes and Amrabat to build your team around, I dont mind the idea, I dont think we’ll do it though. I feel bad for Mount, but I dont see a spot for him in the team, I know why ETH signed him, but having two tens just hasn’t worked and Mount doesn’t have the defence to play in a deeper role.

[@SPECTTRE13]

you lost me at Fernandes.

[@zeeone4492]

You mean two 8s

[@hasanal-shaheen3389]

Your channel is all about United, Arsenal and Villa! I really need a Chelsea video

[@randomcon123]

Tbf I was surprised Casemiro had the season he had last season. He had been on steady decline in his final couple of seasons and real played with a mid-low block so I didn’t think he would be able to be an all-action midfielder in ETH’s supposed Ajax set up. Once again, splashing the kind of money they did on a player who was only gonna give you one or two seasons of top football is pretty insane but then at least he had one good season. The same can’t be said of most of United’s other signings

[@elsjza4]

its a mess, our top score is 2nd choice midfielder and we basically sacrifice midfield and playstyle to play around him, i feel bad for ten hag but also blame him for not bought "possession midfielder" instead of mount, and also we cant really commit to play high up because we lost martinez and varane. ten hag need to move on from counter atk player and start to buy player that compliment his way of play.

[@luckythrone893]

our transfer policy was horrendous. Antony, mount, onana, and hojlund aren't good enough, but the rest of our team isn;t good either

[@elsjza4]

@@luckythrone893 onana is fine if we have outfield that can do possession, anthony and hojlund is overprice indeed, and mount is just weird. we just assume martinez and casemiro will do the job but now they cant play the drop off is just a mess.

[@JordanWall-zi9sw]

Great video Dave🔥🫶

[@matthewhendriks2014]

Andre keeping it tidy in front of the defence and Mainoo having the time and space to spray passes could be very delicious, Amarabat should have filled that Andre role, but not given the time and not showing why he deserves more time, despite the stats, which is why I thought he should have done better, but I'd keep Amarabat too; he has the mentality

[@LuisRivera-fx9wv]

Rebuilding the midfield is a great start. I’d go far Monaco’s Fofana and Leverkusen Palacio. United need a new starting lineup🤦‍♂️

[@olaleyeonikuyide7541]

I'd argue Kobbie is better than Neves, but loveley stuff as always. Here's to hoping INEOS get it right I'd be curious to see who Dave thinks can replace Bruno when the time comes. We should be looking ahead

[@zeeone4492]

Invalid argument as he hasn't played to prove your argument

[@jayfreeman5852]

I bet you host some fantastic parties!

[@khoufo]

They also need some very good full backs that can invert to help the cmd .

[@luckythrone893]

luke shaw is injury prone, and our right backs have one side to their game

[@mimikolomamu]

@@luckythrone893 Shaw is not very good....

[@alexanderbeasant6908]

Good video as always but would you really want to sign 2 young players in front of Mainoo?

[@aldiarrakhim2923]

Guys let's lower our expectations, we don't need results right now.

[@ccogdill152028]

1) Nobody over age 24. 2) Focus on the spine with increased emphasis on the midfield partnerships. 3) One academy product into the first team per season. 4) no more "names". I like Cas, Eriksen, Mount, etc. I don't wanna know anything about the guys we bring in.

[@femi_danjuma]

Whatever we do, lets get Joao Neves. The boy is sensational.

[@user-wr6nj8du1r]

Statman Dave for Utd director of football!

[@mondiriu]

It'll be a mistake to build our future around Garnacho like it was to build it around Rashford.

[@user-dy6uo8qs9v]

I agree bro... I don't see what most other supporters do in that kid. Loses the ball time after time. Running at defenders aimlessly. Doesn't get his shot off either.

[@Esoteric-Comedian]

We need to build it around our striker whomever that might be;)

[@mondiriu]

@@user-dy6uo8qs9v There's nothing much there... he's a squad player at best, an impact sub. Our only real young talents are Mainoo and Amad. Mainoo I feel will surely establish himself as a key player, Amad might not make it because of a lack of physicality.

[@mahadasif2474]

don't need to build around anyone. build to a strict, permanent philosophy.

[@user-dy6uo8qs9v]

@@mondiriu Yeah... He is good when coming off the bench running at tired defenders when the game is stretched. I just feel he plays for himself...

[@kirennair]

say whatever about Casemiro or Varane, both of them helped us massively last season, ofcourse this season their performance has dropped of massively. Still, the whole team is not performing at the moment so it's wrong to blame just those two players. we should bring in another CB and another midfielder but not to replace Casemiro and Varane, we need them, they're the leaders in the dressing room. you can't cash in them just to buy new players, you should bring in new players however.

[@rubenfrankish]

Arteta won the FA cup his first season. Statman, United are broke and in debt, statman, lets spend 103 million on Neves. Good luck with that!

[@alfiemartin7381]

Be good to see you set this up on fm so we can see how you’d play it out

[@angelo3998]

my starting 11 as united manager GK: Bayindir. LB: Shaw. CB: Maguire. CB: Martinez. RB: Dalot. CDM: Mainoo. CM: Bruno. CAM: Mejbri. LW: Garnacho. ST: Hojlund. RW. Antony

[@user-cb1qv5jj1x]

Can you do a Video on the Ideal Christian Eriksen Replacement looking at targets like Orkun Kökçü --- Benfica Joey Veerman --- PSV Eindhoven Enzo Le Fee --- Rennes Quinten Timber --- Feyenoord Douglas Luiz --- Aston Villa Pablo Barrios --- Atlético Madrid Alexsander --- Fluminense FC

[@K_0106]

Whatever it is, our midfield has to be balanced..technical, smart, strong athletic, dynamic..good as individual & as a group

[@michaelackwellcollins8740]

How can you say Casemiro has dropped off this season? Ten Haag had been playing a single pivot this year and everyone who played CDM has been overrun due to other midfielders too far forward

[@nelty0987654321]

He's been dribbled past waaaaay too easy

[@richardjones8699]

Looks like his legs have gone.

[@zeeone4492]

He's talking of cas not other players

[@moody1288]

Lucas bergvall, Vermeeren, jobe Bellingham,zubimendi all midfielders we should be looking at zirkzee at Bologna as a striker too

[@Jay-bn6hs]

I honestly think a balanced midfield would be mount maino and amrabat I’m sorry but Bruno this season in midfield just ain’t it

[@abdulwaahidshithu5394]

He's not a midfielder for good possession football. He's riddled with bad decisions and poor hold up play

[@addyvvs2044]

And a lot of people keep defending him. Like I get it, the work rate is impressive and he never gets hurt but he is not press resistant. I’ve never seen Bruno take on an opponent and actually beat him with the dribble and he’s a 10??? Wtf kinda ten is that??? Someone get James Madison in here or de Bruyne.

[@StatmanDave]

Bruno is a great 10, just not in a possession based system.

[@Footieheritage]

mount 👎

[@nickraoyj]

It would be a brand new era if we actually had a competent DOF. I can't see John Murtough actually scouting André, much less signing him!

[@barixuka]

Andre Trinidade, Joao Neves & Adam Wharton would be wise additions for present and future but United never ever take advantage of these chances.

[@mav3298]

Would also be a midfield with zero physicality...

[@mav3298]

Imagine instead we get Scalvini, Kephren Thuram and pair them with mainoo or bruno.

[@tactical_statician]

First you rebuild the defense line. Finding Maguire, Lindelof and Evans replacement is key. Varane, Martinez,Casemiro, Garnancho and Fernandes are the key to our success.

[@dublin7]

I agree that United need a 6 and 8. Andre at 6 is perfect. But with the 8, United need a more robust, taller and physical profile than Joao Neves. My first thought was Ruben Loftus Cheeks. His physical profile is ideal but his age profile is abit older. Teun Koopmeiners is not as physically imposing but has a very well rounded skill set.

[@sreeramanil5388]

So Bruno is not considered as a midfielder now? It's all about "controlling the game " and "midfield needs to get revamped" until the mention of Bruno Fernandes for these tacticos. He's played every game for us since 2020 and we've barely controlled a midfield since then, even while trying around 15 different permutations of midfielders behind him. But it's never his fault is it? 🤷‍♂ He should be the first one to get shipped.

[@chuckles471]

"Play attractive football and win trophies." That's just bollocks. You play what is effective. If someone came up with an ulta-defensive way of playing that was guaranteed to increase a win rate, EVERY manager in the PL would be trying to implement it yesterday. FFS, the most effective manager since Ferguson was Mourinho and he parked the bus. And his problem was the fans and media sided with the players, not him. And we have seen how that turned out.

[@angelojoaquim6847]

Regardless of how much money United may have with the new owner, the rebuild has to be thought on a short to mid term and with that said, the only man standing after this season if I had to pick, would be Koobie, Bruno Fernandes( only 1 season more) and McTominay (an ok bench player), and I would look to buy 4 new midfielder, De Jong and Moscardo for DM, Jacbo Ramsey for CM and Wirtz or Xavi Simmons for number AM, players like Neves and Andre are good but I'm not sure they fit the style.

[@zeeone4492]

There is no new owner

[@j2248]

Remember when United were able to pluck a player out of relative obscurity and turn him into a world star? So far from that now

[@gab882]

If Man Utd get Andre and Joao Neves, it will be another legendary partnership like Scholes/Carrick or Xavi/Iniesta. Different style but i can envision it as a great midfield duo. With Mainoo, it will be a crazy high energy tenacious yet creative midfield trio.

[@andrewsfiindje9194]

Kobie is a great talent. Well I think Man Utd must build its future on this player. I am also not ruling out Neves and André but Maino has alread premier league experience than the other two players. With all of the in the team utd will be unstoppable some days.

[@facelessfxandgaming]

i wouldnt change anything you said , perfect tbh Keep in mind Antonio NUSA Florian WIRTZ Raphael ONYEDIKA Martín ZUBIMENDI Onana Kudus

[@darthplagueis8886]

Without even watching your video, yet, i have two easy names, Onana from Everton and Kamara from Villa.

[@neilsmith3317]

1. We don't have the £150m it would cost to get those two players. 2. Both are unproven in good leagues. 3. They wouldn't come to us even if we could afford them. We need a manager (hopefully EtH) who is allowed the time to make Kobbie, Hannibal and Gore become great players.

[@RandomVideosFirst]

Based on current form you have to assume an absolute spanking is coming for United , but something tells me it will be a anticlimactic 2-0 win for Liverpool

[@kapilakaraia7925]

Is there any chance we could see you in recruitment team of man united in future?

[@ObedGamixx]

I don't care what you think of me but Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford can't be on the pitch at the same time and tbh BOTH have to leave big decisions have to be made and our love for Bruno shouldn't be understated but we have to look into the future and be wise 😮

[@mimikolomamu]

"Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford can't be on the pitch at the same time "...Why not ?? Both a very useless for counter attacks. It should be Bruno and Marcus shouldnt be United 1st 11 anymore. Both are not going to bring United close to City Liverpool Arsenal level. United are even behind Spurs Newcastle Villa.

[@THENAGES]

Arteta has 1 champions League qualifying campaign in five years and he's been hailed 🤦

[@Mikey_ans]

Please can this video be sent to Manchester United scout team or ETH in person

[@robertpowell3634]

wanted both of them for a while but the problem is many of the other big clubs want them, why would either choose us over any of the other ones with the current state of the club? Going to take a hell of a salesman to sell the project to them

[@nnd5768]

Casemiro, Eriksen CAM, McTominay, Mainoo CDM 4 in mid for me. Garnacho Hojlund front 2. Subs Mount Amrabat for Eriksen Mainoo ok, Rashford for Garnacho ok. Problem is defence.

[@kalebdemedeiros5692]

Do you think united need a midfielder with some height and physicality in that he pivot if case leaves

[@nickroberts6050]

Think I'd prefer us to go for Arthur Vermeeren instead of Andre. Granted he plays in a pretty mediocre league, but he's played Champions League football this season and not looked out of place. Thoughts?

[@StatmanDave]

Vermeeren looks like a baller but definitely more of a 8/10 than a 6

[@nickroberts6050]

@@StatmanDave Fair enough 👍 Potential upgrade on McTominay then

[@chimeziegreat9818]

Neves Onana I need this twooo

[@Jack-ri6bn]

I feel like unless there is massive height around them then there could be issues. Feel like you need that imposing midfielder in there also.

[@feranmiquadri6279]

I was about to type the same thing.

[@Jack-ri6bn]

@@feranmiquadri6279 Maybe a combo of Andre and Amadou Onana could be a better fit.

[@feranmiquadri6279]

@@Jack-ri6bn yeah

[@femi_danjuma]

Funny thing is Joao Neves has won more aerial duels per 90 in the last 1 year in all competitions than Onana has in the same time frame

[@Jack-ri6bn]

@@femi_danjuma ​ Fair enough, maybe I should add to my initial comment. Whilst Joao Neves may have more aerial duels won per 90 than Onana, I'm look more towards the sheer size of a midfielder next to what would be a 5"9 Kobbie Mainoo and infront of a 5"9 Lisandro Martinez. In addition to the ability to make up ground, to bring toughness into the midfielder etc. This is nothing against Joao Neves btw, but we are lacking tall imposing figures and the Prem is still in that state of needing players of tall stature. So for me Id look more towards an Amadou Onana or someone of a similar profile.

[@Ebuka957]

Did this man just say Arsenal hasn't won any thing yet under mikel

[@mihlali_sipamla]

How long is this rebuild??

[@FountainOfYoot]

I see Andre going to Liverpool unfortunately.

[@adamz9829]

As a MF these all make sense. Wouldn't change a thing. What really needs attention is the defence. Varane is as injury prone as Michael Owen, Evans about to retire (probably), Malacia not quite there ability wise but a good squad player, would love a new RWB in the mould of Carvajal / Alves, and generally need a young prospect at CB that can learn from an ageing Maguire/Varane while they remain at the club who can then hopefully develop into a long term option.

[@allangweshe5522]

We all know we will miss out on these players. Dave just your CV to Sir Jim

[@jonahthrane812]

I think it wpuld be pretty simple to fix the midfield. We actually already have the ingredients. Amrabat, Mainoo, and Bruno. Done. If we dont want Amrabat we will need a similarly experienced player to be next to Mainoo, maybe, Casemiro? Yea he just needs to get back in form. Everyone in our midfield plays poorly next to Mctominay because hes a bad midfielder. But hes an oddly good scorer, so maybe we should start using him as a super sub striker or false nine as the end of games against tired defences. Thats just my opinion. I thinn the bigger issue is fixing our defence and attack honestly. Maguire is in good form but he's 30 so that's hardly sustainable. And no other good potential CB coming through. We need Todibo in the summer at a bare minimum. In attack id really consider selling rashford, and Martial too, they are both jogging back in defence when they should be tracking back faster to support, mctominay does the same btw, which leaves a hole in the midfield in his case. I'd be looking at that Stuttgart striker, and a winger, i wanted nico williams because his contract was running low, but he just renewed it, so i dont know who right now.

[@acidosis1985]

We need an identity. We tried copying pep style didn't work. We tried counter attacking, didn't get us far enough. I believe we can evolve football. With wingers being wingers again, beating players. Crosses from wings instead of relying of the invert style of the modern era. We are so obsessed in copying other ppl success. We won't get there at this rate.

[@conor0008]

Not sold on Mejbi dk what he is good at. Too raw atm

[@sjewitt22]

Situation we are in is, when a player is better value other clubs come in and take them. If we go for Andre it's likely he'd choose a rival.

[@vhash4916]

We should give every player 2years if they don’t perform they should be loaned or sold, garnacho should be a squad player.

[@epinidris5650]

Sir Rachiliffe come in we need he just support ETH and dont disturb what planing manager and coaching staff just improving we need.

[@issie_adams]

Get me João Palhina & Bruno Guimarães please 😤😤

[@alexmarshaal3850]

Having Neves and Andre in the same team is basically playing two no 6s. I'd prefer Neves as 6 and Mainoo as a 8.

[@JoeyKneecap]

Neves and Andre as a double pivot would lack both height and physicality, two vital attributes for that role.

[@DanielS10291]

When are the ‘How Manchester United Can Rebuild Their Defence’ and ‘How Manchester United Can Rebuild Their Forward Line’ videos dropping?

[@drakegeralds699]

What we need I a ballwinner that can bring the ball out from the back and he has to be adept aerially. Not a box to box

[@vummiendiweni7680]

joao neves won't come cheap. i would give more time to mainoo, gore and hansen-aeroen.... i've given up on that first team midfield

[@Plastic_Surgery_Pokhara]

Cant have many young players with players like rashford martial around

[@Stephenheaven7]

It’s been rough yoh 💀💔

[@cyepez89]

ETH isn't the right coach for United. MU needs a coach who can grab the players he is given, find the correct way to play to their strengths. Ancelotti, SAF, Xabi Alonso, Mourhino and Pep are good at this. ETH is a coach for teams that rely on youth product, no big money spending. Youth product allows you to mold players to your liking. In MU this guy needs to buy players, or else he can't implement any style. Problem is this dude needs amazing players who won't come to the club. De Jong, camavinga and even veratti would be great for MU. Those type won't step foot near there. We need a coach, that's what we need.

[@garethdeere4822]

You could start with having players that actually stay in midfield instead of mctominay and Bruno standing up front.

[@handerborte97]

Me personally would not mind United finishing 5-8 if United play fun football to watch. Have a clear footballing identety. Sign young and hungry players.

[@raunaqb4021]

Folks forget Mount is 24 years old, I think there's room for him to hit heights as a high level 8 too.

[@paulsanyangoreofficial3354]

Nonsense

[@user-mc4tm9lh6x]

If you give hannibal a chance you could save money in the future take him to Benfica he will impresse just like neves

[@tsepoadoro2033]

Do you not think height would be a problem? I think we should be mindful of that especially in the prem

[@RedHeart968]

We need MFs who are physically and technically adept. Last season Casemiro form assisted us greatly. This season our MF is practically non-existent. The inability to win duels really hurt us.

[@luckythrone893]

last season we weren't good like people make it seem, Casemiro and de gea kept us in the game long enough till rashford got the ball in the final third and scored. This season we dont have non of that

[@RedHeart968]

@luckythrone893 Indeed, we are so unlucky with injuries after injuries. We can't even have the best 11 to start. Every match, the backline changes. How to instil confidence?

[@grobocop2213]

I do like those players but i also want some prem proven too and leadership. I think Chelsea is a case in point, they've bought too many youngsters. You need a balance.

[@AValidPointUHave]

Quick side note, how dare you lump Juan Mata in with the rest of that lot. Mata provided some key performances over his years and was an absolute TOP lad in the dressing room and community. In lieu of signing a crazy expensive young number 8, I genuinely think Bruno needs to be forced to develop as an 8. He gets too emotional and goes searching for the game as a 10 or out wide. He has the bite and aggression as well as the passing range and dribbling ability to play the role. I also think signing players like Erickson and Case, if we can get them on good deals is a good thing. You always want to sprinkle in a bit of experience in there with young guns.

[@footballocks4063]

Selling Jimmy Garner is beginning to look really silly. He'd really improve our midfield right now

[@SparkySteve.]

Dave I love your work but to pick on Casemiro 1st off is criminal. I'm a lifelong M9 red and the obsession that the DMs aren't good enough whilst completely ignoring the likes of McT is why t🎉he fanbase get hypnotised by such passion merchant nonsense if this

[@United_Wings]

GG

[@sadekrahman9598]

Cashimiro and Amrabat on a double Pivot...

[@nickkattato]

There’s only one player we need to think about “building around” and it’s Kobbie Mainoo! Need to think about replacing Bruno. He’s 29!!

[@firstnamelastname9616]

Sensi - Free Rabbiot - Free Joelinton - 1 year left on contract Barella Joao Neves

[@rammus5672]

I mean some of these options are great and all but united first need strong and physical players, cause we get pushed off the ball by basically everyone!