Ruben Amorim's Transfer Wishlist: Five Game-Changing Players Manchester United Must Target

Manchester United began their pre-season campaign with a disappointingly familiar display during their scoreless stalemate against Leeds United in Sweden.

The Red Devils were frustrated by their bitter rivals in Stockholm last Saturday, providing minimal encouragement for the club's fanbase before the forthcoming Premier League Summer Series in America.

Ruben Amorim expressed dissatisfaction with what he observed from the sideline and highlighted United's shortage of energy in midfield as a primary concern for the club. "We lack tempo. Particularly in the center of the field, you can sense it's difficult to advance the ball," admitted the Portuguese manager.

Fortunately, United retain the chance to address their persistent midfield concerns during what remains of the summer transfer period, with some new energy in the central area potentially creating a substantial difference in Amorim's dual-midfielder setup next campaign.

Here are five central players who would serve as valuable acquisitions for the Red Devils.

Carlos Baleba

Brighton & Hove Albion have built a reputation as exceptional talent scouts since becoming Premier League fixtures, with Carlos Baleba representing one of their outstanding recent acquisitions. Following the departures of Moisés Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in one transfer window, the Seagulls looked to Lille and discovered another precious find.

Baleba delivered a promising inaugural Premier League season in 2023–24, showing quality despite his young years. The 21-year-old continued with an exceptional second campaign on England's south coast, contributing six goal involvements and standing out with his aggressive defensive work in midfield.

The Cameroon representative finished among the top 20 percent of Premier League midfielders for tackles in the attacking third, interceptions and possession recoveries last season. Baleba excels as a ball winner, with his aggressive tackling and relentless work rate being particularly impressive.

However, Baleba offers more than just defensive tenacity in midfield. The young talent demonstrates exceptional passing ability and possesses outstanding ball control, utilizing his strong physique and remarkable speed to escape opposing pressure. He shows excellent resistance to pressing and exceptional ball-carrying skills, successfully completing 57.9% of his dribbling attempts in the Premier League last season.

Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton has emerged as a brilliant acquisition for Crystal Palace, another young talent elevated from the Championship and developed into a standout performer at Selhurst Park. The 21-year-old has already earned his England cap and played a crucial role in the Eagles' FA Cup triumph last season, delivering an exceptionally refined performance worthy of facing Manchester City in the final.

The midfielder needs improvement defensively, particularly in winning duels, but his dynamism and inventiveness in possession is remarkable. Wharton, who already operates in a 3-4-2-1 system with Palace, excels at distribution and thinks progressively, consistently attempting to penetrate opposition defensive structures with penetrating passes. He recorded 7.31 progressive passes and 5.33 passes into the attacking third per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season.

England rarely develops such elegant midfielders and there's little question he will fulfill his enormous potential. United's midfield could be established for the coming decade with Wharton alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the central area.

Éderson

Éderson gained recognition during the 2023–24 campaign as his dynamic midfield performances helped Atalanta secure the Europa League title. The three-time Brazilian international delivered another outstanding season with the Italian club last year and has been drawing significant interest over recent months—Liverpool and United are among the clubs reportedly showing interest.

Éderson provides strong defensive coverage and his South American intensity influences his play, but he's another who offers much more than physical presence. He finished in the top nine percent of midfielders for progressive passes per 90 minutes in the Champions League last season, while ranking in the top 11 percent for carries into the attacking third.

The 26-year-old's robust build and undervalued mobility makes him an impressive dribbler and enables him to maneuver through congested areas in midfield. In the fast-paced Premier League environment, he would become an invaluable addition, and one that United should monitor closely as the summer continues.

Morten Hjulmand

United have been connected with numerous former Sporting CP players from Amorim's tenure. Viktor Gyökeres appears Arsenal-bound, while names like Francisco Trincão, Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande have also been discussed. Nevertheless, it's Morten Hjulmand who might offer the greatest value for the Red Devils.

Amorim recruited and developed the 26-year-old in Lisbon, utilizing him 65 times in the club's colors. The Denmark international has recorded seven goals and five assists over the last two seasons in Portugal, with English fans familiar with his scoring ability after experiencing a Hjulmand thunderbolt at Euro 2024.

Hjulmand represents another excellent passer who seldom surrenders possession in crowded spaces, also employing his strength and nimble footwork to evade challenges. Defensively reliable and approaching his prime, United could fare much worse than the Scandinavian box-to-box player, who has been connected with Old Trafford lately.

João Gomes

Few players can match João Gomes for ground coverage. The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder represents a tireless ball-winner and formidable midfield force, ranking exceptionally high across all defensive statistics. He excels in one-on-one situations and proves skilled at executing necessary tactical infractions.

The tireless Brazilian has developed an outstanding partnership with fellow countryman André in the Wolves midfield and could certainly replicate this success alongside players like Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte or another Brazilian teammate in Casemiro. United's midfield would certainly gain intensity with Gomes controlling it.

The 24-year-old possesses significant potential for growth and is another already accustomed to Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation having played in that structure at Molineux. He would provide a valuable addition to United's vulnerable and lethargic midfield.