Man United must only keep one midfielder for next season – (Opinion) | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a major midfield overhaul in 2026, with the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte up in the air.

INEOS pulled off an attacking revamp last summer, replacing the unwanted Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund with a new attacking trident consisting of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

According to The Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst, there could be a similar revolution in the middle of the park next summer. The Man Utd insider reveals that 11 Man Utd stars are facing uncertain futures, including all four first-team midfielders.

Keep or offload: What should Man United do with their four midfielders?

While pulling off the unthinkable and hoovering an entire department might be a stretch, the departures of two or even three midfielders might be completely plausible, with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba waiting in the wings.

So which midfielders should Man Utd keep, and which ones should be shown the door?

Casemiro

We begin with what should be the easiest case, one that may have already resolved itself. Simply put, INEOS are determined to lower the wage bill, and Casemiro might not be too keen on halving his £350k-per-week salary. Therefore, the Brazilian’s expiring contract represents the perfect opportunity for the two parties to part ways on good terms.

The fact that the 33-year-old has been enjoying what has been his best campaign at Old Trafford should be an added motive to split on a high note, rather than a temptation to keep him well into his mid-30s.

Manuel Ugarte

Ugarte made a name for himself on the European level during his time at Sporting under Amorim, before failing to lock himself a starting spot at both PSG and Man Utd.

So if his old mentor hasn’t been able to revive his career a year into his Old Trafford tenure, perhaps it’s time for United to cut their losses and send him to the highest bidder, similar to Rasmus Hojlund’s case.

Bruno Fernandes

At the age of 31 and playing slightly out of position, few could blame Bruno if he decides to stop resisting the Saudi Pro League’s jaw-dropping offers.

Nevertheless, the captain still represents Man Utd’s biggest safety net. In other words, if the new signings fail to swiftly adjust to life at Carrington, Fernandes’ presence could be the only thing standing between United and an early-season catastrophe.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Hence, MUFC should ideally keep the Portuguese playmaker until they’re certain that his heir apparent is already at the club. The 2026/27 campaign can be used as a transitional season in this regard.

Kobbie Mainoo

If Casemiro was the easiest call, this one might be the toughest. And yet, the writing has been on the wall for quite some time, but most of us have simply chosen to look the other way.

As long as Amorim is reigning supreme at Carrington, Mainoo will likely struggle for a prominent role, as he’s simply not made for his 3-4-2-1 system.

Therefore, the 20-year-old’s departure can be considered a merciful act, saving a young and promising career from the jaws of irrelevance.