According to BD Cricket Match sources, while Manchester United made key adjustments this summer to bolster their forward line and goalkeeping positions, the impact of their midfield revamp has been far less convincing. As the saying goes, if someone keeps ignoring your messages, it’s time to stop sending them—United’s midfield situation reflects that same kind of imbalance. Summer signings Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat are still struggling to adapt and have yet to meet fan expectations.
On the outgoing front, only Fred was moved on as part of the midfield clear-out. Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay, despite not being favored by Ten Hag, both remain in the squad. But those issues are currently manageable. McTominay continues to search for his role within the team. The bigger concern lies with Casemiro—whose injuries and dip in form have been significant. Last season, the Brazilian was central to United’s improvement. His defensive brilliance, paired with his unexpected offensive contributions, made him the heartbeat of Ten Hag’s midfield and helped secure key wins.
This season, United’s underwhelming start is largely tied to Casemiro’s inconsistency. The club hasn’t fully adapted to this change, and their current usage of the veteran midfielder has raised eyebrows. At his age and with his injury history, he simply can’t withstand the physical toll of a dense fixture schedule. Fans aren’t the only ones who have noticed the cracks—Ten Hag is well aware of the problem. That’s why he brought in Amrabat over the summer, viewing the Moroccan as a long-term replacement. Unfortunately, the World Cup standout has failed to impress at Old Trafford, struggling with the pace of the Premier League and making repeated errors on the defensive end.
Recently, Ten Hag has opted to drop Amrabat entirely in favor of pairing McTominay with Christian Eriksen in the double pivot. BD Cricket Match analysts agree this is only a short-term fix. McTominay’s increased minutes are more a consequence of injuries and poor form from others than a mark of Ten Hag’s trust. If a suitable offer comes in, United are open to letting the Scottish international leave.
Looking forward, the club is eager to inject new energy into their midfield by signing a younger defensive midfielder. At the top of their wishlist is 19-year-old João Neves from Benfica. United have dispatched scouts multiple times to monitor the Portuguese prodigy and are prepared to enter the bidding after the season. They aren’t concerned about competition from rival clubs either.
Neves is one of the most highly regarded young talents in the Primeira Liga this season, earning consistent starts in both domestic and Champions League matches. What excites United most is that, in addition to his strong defensive instincts, Neves poses a legitimate threat going forward—something BD Cricket Match sees as a critical asset for modern midfielders.
If Ten Hag can secure Neves, it would signal a major step toward building a long-term midfield core. The patience to develop him could pay off handsomely, potentially reshaping the trajectory of United’s midfield for years to come. After all, if yesterday’s struggles are behind us, there’s no reason to doubt a brighter tomorrow.