Manchester United’s midfield has been a problem area in recent months, with Ruben Amorim yet to find the best partnership in the heart of the team.
The 40-year-old has operated with a two-man system since taking charge last November, with the midfielder being key to his 3-4-2-1 system.
Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount often share starting responsibilities as part of a duo, but the manager still wants reinforcements in those positions.
Koby Mainu is just another option at Amorim’s disposal, but he often decides not to use the Englishman, as evidenced by his meager record of no starts in the Premier League this season.
As a result, INEOS has been tasked with identifying potential options during the January transfer window and fixing the problems in the midfield department in the long term.
Manchester United to look for new players in January
In recent weeks, United have been among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson.
Amorim’s men are reportedly already in talks with Sean Dyche’s side over a potential move, but it could be expensive, with a £100m price tag currently being mooted.
They are not the only ones tracking the 23-year-old, with rivals Manchester City also said to be keeping an eye on his development ahead of next season.
But Anderson is not the only midfielder the Red Devils are eyeing, with Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham reportedly another option being considered by INEOS.
According to Spanish media, Amorim and his team have offered €150m (£130m) for the England international in a bid to resolve current issues.
The report also states that his current employer has no intention of terminating him at this time, which may make it somewhat difficult to complete a contract in the near future.
Why Bellingham is the perfect fit for Bruno Fernandes
Despite being an attacking midfielder, Bruno Fernandes has been asked to play a slightly deeper midfield role in United’s squad this season, often partnering Casemiro in the center of the team.
But that hasn’t stopped the Portuguese international from becoming a central part of the team, as his impressive record of goals and assists in the Premier League shows.
In his first 15 league games, he has already scored 10 goals and assists, three of which came against Wolves on Monday night.
However, the manager is yet to find balance in the center of his team, especially considering that Casemiro is now 33 years old and is due to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
As a result, Bellingham could very well be the answer to the midfield’s current problems, especially if his stats from the 2025/26 La Liga season to now are anything to go by.
The numbers he has produced show his outstanding box-to-box qualities, which could well make him the perfect partner for Bruno in the heart of the team.
Described by Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães as “the best midfielder in the world”, Bellingham has slowed down a bit this season, but given his raw talent and potential, there is no doubt he is still the best. After all, there is a reason why Madrid trusted him to wear Zinedine Zidane’s famous No. 5 shirt at the world’s biggest club.
To reveal his qualities, he completed 8.9 progressive passes per 90, all of which were successful in the final third. Don’t you think that’s pretty perfect for Fernandes?
Jude Bellingham – La Liga stats (25/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 12 |
goals and assists | 5 |
progressive path | 8.9 |
Pass accuracy | 88% |
advance to the final third | 8.9 |
tackle win | 2.9 |
work towards success | 67% |
Number of intercepts | 0.9 |
Statistics by FBref | |
Such numbers indicate Bruno’s creative nature, and such a tally may be responsible for Bruno’s part in the burden and responsibility of keeping the center supplied with goods.
However, the 22-year-old has excelled out of possession this season, as evidenced by his 2.9 tackles per 90, which has since put him in the top 5% of all LaLiga players.
He also has 0.9 interceptions and 1.5 aerial wins per 90, which also ranks in the top 5% of midfielders, highlighting his exceptional talent in possession.
Bellingham’s dominance is evident from the 67% of tackles he has racked up this season, and a deal would finally end United’s search for a new ball signing.
£130m is a staggering sum for just one player, but the Madrid star has proven his world-class level over the years despite his young age.
The possibility of him teaming up with Bruno is very exciting and the pair could have the qualities to push the club into a title challenge in the near future.
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