Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United Midfield Shortlist And Who They Should Sign Next Summer | OneFootball

When Rúben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford, he found a side rich in talent but light on control. The midfield, once the heartbeat of United’s best sides, had become a patchwork of styles and personalities. With Bruno Fernandes likely to head for Saudi Arabia and Casemiro’s contract expiring at the end of the season (though there are signs that could be renewed for another year), Amorim faces a summer rebuild in the area he values most. The early work on the Manchester United midfield shortlist already reflects that focus, with the club targeting players who can restore balance, intelligence, and energy to a department that has lacked all three for too long.

The new boss has always built from the middle. His Sporting sides were balanced, brave, and purposeful, relying on midfielders who pressed together, recycled the ball quickly, and shifted play with precision. Last summer’s signing of Manuel Ugarte gave him a head start but he hasn’t performed to the level that Amorim expected just yet. Now the task is finding partners who can complement the Uruguayan’s intensity, or improve on it, and help redefine United’s rhythm.

United’s recruitment team, working closely with Amorim’s analysts, have spent the past months identifying midfielders who fit his tactical blueprint rather than just his formation. The focus has shifted from reputation to suitability, from names to profiles. The result is a shortlist that blends youth with experience, potential with proven quality, and aggression with control.

Manuel Ugarte: Fighting for Redemption

When Manuel Ugarte arrived at Manchester United, many expected him to become the engine of Rúben Amorim’s system. Instead, after a difficult first season, he’s slipped behind Casemiro in the pecking order and now finds himself fighting for a way back in.

His numbers remain strong on paper. Ugarte still ranks in the 98.9 percentile for possession won and 73.5 for duels, evidence of his ability to break up play and compete physically. But performances haven’t matched those statistics. He’s struggled with decision-making under pressure, often slowing transitions that should flow naturally through midfield.

At the end of last season, Amorim’s frustration became public. “You are not the same player than what you were at Sporting,” he reportedly told Ugarte, a sharp reminder of how quickly standards can shift at Old Trafford. It was an honest assessment from a coach who knows him better than most.

The Uruguayan’s 82.7 percent forward pass success and 68.6 percentile for progressive passes show there’s still a player there, one capable of doing the simple things well. But to reclaim his place as a starter, he’ll need to rediscover the dynamism and confidence that once made him Amorim’s trusted lieutenant in Lisbon.

Ugarte’s redemption arc could yet define United’s midfield rebuild. Whether he regains Amorim’s trust or becomes a rotational option will shape how the club approaches their next signings.

Angelo Stiller: The Conductor with Kroos-like Qualities

If Manchester United want control, composure, and intelligence in their midfield, Angelo Stiller is the kind of player who immediately stands out. The 24-year-old Stuttgart midfielder has quietly developed into one of Europe’s most technically refined deep-lying playmakers, and his statistical profile makes him one of the most intriguing options for Rúben Amorim’s system.

Stiller’s data tells a clear story of precision and purpose. He ranks 96.2 percentile for forward passes, 92.5 for progressive passes, and 84.1 percent forward pass completion, the kind of metrics associated with players who dictate entire matches through rhythm and positioning. He rarely forces a risky ball, preferring instead to play through pressure with composure and short, angled passes that gradually pull opponents out of shape.

It’s this calm authority that has drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos, and there’s some truth in that. Stiller shares the same economy of movement, the same ability to make difficult things look effortless, and the same measured sense of control in possession. Like Kroos, he never seems rushed, always two steps ahead of the game, always offering himself as the next passing option.

What separates him from most deep controllers, though, is his clarity. Stiller knows when to drop into the back line to start the build-up, when to push into midfield to connect phases, and when to switch play to relieve pressure. Amorim, who values tactical discipline as much as flair, would appreciate that intelligence. He wants midfielders who make the system work through timing, not just energy, and Stiller fits that perfectly.

The main question is whether he can cope with the Premier League’s intensity. His defensive numbers are less convincing, with just 34.3 percentile in duels and 32.3 in possession won. He’s not a player who thrives in physical chaos, and Amorim’s structure, while organised, still demands midfielders who can press and recover aggressively. Stiller would likely need a more mobile, ball-winning partner — someone like Ugarte or Baleba — to cover his defensive gaps.

Another potential concern is pace. Stiller lacks acceleration, which can be exposed when games become transitional. In Germany, Stuttgart’s system gives him space to operate and teammates who protect him positionally. In the Premier League, where pressing is faster and mistakes are punished more ruthlessly, that margin for comfort shrinks. Amorim would need to build his midfield around that limitation, ensuring Stiller has runners and recoverers beside him.

Still, his upside is enormous. At a time when United often lose control in big games, Stiller could provide the calm that turns frantic spells into measured possession. He wouldn’t just help United keep the ball; he’d help them think more clearly with it. His ability to dictate tempo, pick the right pass, and recycle possession efficiently could make him the missing link between defence and attack.

For United, it’s less about whether Stiller can survive in the Premier League and more about whether Amorim can build a platform around his strengths. The manager has shown before, at Sporting, that he can construct systems to protect technical players while still maintaining intensity. If he can do the same at Old Trafford, Stiller might just become the kind of midfielder United have lacked for years — not a destroyer, not a runner, but a conductor.

There’s no guarantee Chelsea, City, or Bayern wouldn’t show interest too, but United’s need is arguably greater. With Bruno Fernandes potentially leaving and Casemiro nearing the exit, Amorim’s rebuild requires someone who can steady the pulse of matches. Stiller, despite his lack of pace, has the brain, passing range, and self-assurance to do exactly that.

He’s not the kind of signing that makes headlines, but he’s the one who makes a team work. There is a reason he is on the Manchester United Midfield Shortlist, as well as most big sides in the world.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: The Raw Gem

It’s rare to find an 18-year-old midfielder who already plays with such purpose and aggression. Ayyoub Bouaddi has quietly become one of Lille’s most exciting young talents, and it’s no surprise that scouts across Europe, including those at Manchester United, have taken note. He’s a defensive midfielder by label, but his game is far more rounded than that suggests.

Bouaddi’s data profile underlines just how advanced he already is for his age. He ranks 92.3 percentile for possession won, 65.9 for duels, and 64.6 for progressive carries, showing a player who doesn’t just break up play but drives the team forward once he’s won it. Add in 28.3 percentile for key passes and 13.3 for progressive passes, and you see a midfielder developing influence in both directions.

The first thing that stands out when you watch him is energy. Bouaddi plays on the front foot, pressing with conviction but rarely recklessly. He reads triggers well, stepping out to intercept or delay rather than diving into unnecessary challenges. For an 18-year-old, his defensive intelligence is impressive, and it explains why Lille already trust him in first-team situations rather than youth football.

Technically, he’s confident. Bouaddi doesn’t shy away from the ball, even under pressure. His first touch is clean, his scanning constant, and he’s always thinking about the next pass before receiving it. His 40.5 percent forward pass accuracy reflects ambition rather than carelessness, as he looks to play forward rather than settle for recycling possession. That sort of forward-minded aggression fits naturally within Rúben Amorim’s high-tempo structure.

There’s also personality about him. Bouaddi carries himself like a senior player, demanding the ball and playing with an almost defiant confidence. That’s exactly the kind of mentality Amorim has historically backed. He likes midfielders who take initiative rather than hide, and Bouaddi’s self-belief makes him stand out even in moments where his inexperience shows.

From a transfer perspective, there’s intrigue too. Bouaddi’s contract at Lille runs until 2027, but he’s yet to agree an extension. If that situation remains unresolved by the summer, United could exploit it. Lille have shown before that they’ll sell talented players approaching the final two years of their deals rather than risk losing them cheaply later. It’s the same leverage United used when they signed Leny Yoro, whose contract situation helped drive down his fee. Bouaddi could end up in a similar position, an expensive talent on paper but one available for a cut-price deal if his contract isn’t renewed.

That would make him a smart, forward-thinking investment. Bouaddi is raw, but his ceiling is enormous. In Amorim’s system, he could rotate with Manuel Ugarte at first, learning the structure and physicality of Premier League football, before growing into a key long-term option. His blend of aggression, intelligence, and ambition suits United’s need for a younger, more mobile midfield.

If United are serious about building for the future rather than patching the present, Bouaddi is exactly the kind of player they should target early, before his value explodes. He’s still learning, but the tools are all there: defensive reading, confidence in tight spaces, and a natural instinct to move the game forward. With the right development path, he could easily become one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders within a few years.

For United, the opportunity is clear. If Lille can’t agree new terms, Bouaddi could be this summer’s Leny Yoro-type signing, a high-upside talent available at the right time, from the right club, for the right price.

Carlos Baleba: The Relentless Engine

When Manchester United explored midfield options in the summer, Carlos Baleba was one of the names near the top of the list. The Brighton midfielder looked a natural fit for Rúben Amorim’s energetic and physical system, and United made an initial approach. Brighton’s response was predictable. They valued Baleba at over £120 million, a price United immediately dismissed.

Since then, Baleba’s form has dipped. Still under Fabian Hürzeler, the same manager who guided him last season, the midfielder has looked out of rhythm, perhaps a sign that his head was turned by the summer interest. The talent is still obvious, but the sharpness and confidence that marked his early performances have faded slightly.

The underlying numbers continue to show why United were interested in the first place. Baleba ranks 77.4 percentile for duels and 92.5 for possession won, illustrating his defensive drive and ball-winning ability. He also sits in the 53.8 percentile for progressive carries, highlighting his capacity to move the ball forward and carry his team through pressure.

That ability to carry the ball remains one of his strongest assets. Baleba can drop deep to receive, shield the ball with his body, and surge past opponents with surprising agility. Once he finds space, he drives through midfield, forcing defenders to commit and creating opportunities for others. In Amorim’s system, which thrives on transitions and vertical play, that kind of forward thrust would be invaluable.

The problem, though, is still the valuation. Brighton are known for setting high prices and refusing to budge. Even with Baleba’s inconsistency this season, it is unlikely they would accept a figure far below their initial demands. They would almost certainly use Moisés Caicedo’s £115 million move to Chelsea as a reference point, arguing that Baleba’s age and potential place him in a similar bracket.

From United’s perspective, that makes any move difficult to justify. Baleba’s profile fits what Amorim wants in a midfielder: power, ball-carrying, and aggression. But unless Brighton softens their stance, the finances make the deal unworkable. If his form continues to fluctuate, there may be a window of opportunity later, but as things stand, Brighton are unlikely to compromise.

Baleba still feels like a player who could thrive under Amorim’s management. His physicality, energy, and willingness to carry the ball through midfield align perfectly with the manager’s principles. Yet for now, his focus must return to consistency and maturity under Hürzeler. The talent remains enormous, but after a summer where transfer noise overshadowed performance, Baleba’s challenge is simple: to show that he can turn potential into reliability.

If he does, United might one day come back for him. But at Brighton, there’s rarely such a thing as a discount.

Morten Hjulmand: The Trusted Lieutenant

For Rúben Amorim, few players have embodied his footballing philosophy as neatly as Morten Hjulmand. The pair worked together at Sporting CP, where Hjulmand became the anchor of a title-winning midfield, offering structure, discipline, and a rare sense of calm in a demanding system.

Hjulmand is not the kind of player who dominates highlight reels, but he’s the type managers trust. His 98.5 percentile for duels and 75.7 percentile for progressive passes underline how well he blends defensive bite with measured forward play. He reads danger before it develops, positions himself intelligently, and moves the ball cleanly once possession is won.

At 26, he’s in his prime, and his experience under Amorim gives him a head start that few others could claim. He already understands the triggers, pressing cues, and positional rotations that define Amorim’s setup. That tactical familiarity would make him a plug-and-play solution in a squad still adapting to the Portuguese manager’s methods.

The issue, however, lies in overlap. With Manuel Ugarte already at the club, United may not need another pure defensive midfielder of Hjulmand’s type. Both are combative, both protect space well, and both prefer to keep things simple rather than take risks in possession. Pairing them might leave United light on creativity, especially if Bruno Fernandes departs.

Still, Amorim knows the value of reliability. When pressure builds, Hjulmand rarely panics. He may not offer flair, but he offers control, and that’s something United’s midfield has often lacked. In matches where tempo and structure matter more than imagination, Hjulmand could quietly become one of the most important players in the squad.

Even if he isn’t a marquee signing, his presence would bring familiarity and leadership to a dressing room still adjusting to Amorim’s methods. For a manager who prizes tactical clarity above chaos, having one of his most trusted lieutenants back beside him might be worth more than any flashy new name.

Adam Wharton: The Modern Controller

Few young midfielders in England have risen as smoothly as Adam Wharton. At just 21, the Crystal Palace man already looks like someone who has been playing Premier League football for years. His poise in possession, intelligence in tight spaces, and effortless control of tempo mark him out as one of the most technically mature midfielders of his generation.

Wharton’s numbers show balance rather than extremes. He ranks 87.2 percentile for progressive passes, 81.4 for key passes, and 74.3 for duels, a well-rounded profile that suits Amorim’s preference for midfielders who can do a bit of everything. While his 46.0 percentile for forward passes suggests he’s not as direct as someone like Angelo Stiller, it also reflects Palace’s cautious build-up rather than any limitation in his game.

What stands out most about Wharton is his composure. He rarely looks hurried, even when pressed by two or three opponents. He uses small touches to create separation, opens his body to switch play quickly, and always seems to know his next move before receiving the ball. That kind of anticipation is exactly what Amorim values in his central players.

In Amorim’s setup, Wharton could fill the hybrid role between controller and connector. He’s not quite the deep-lying playmaker Stiller is, nor is he the destroyer Ugarte represents, but he offers rhythm and flow. In a double pivot, he’d provide the stability to release a more aggressive eight ahead of him, while in a midfield three, he could anchor possession when United need to slow the game down.

There’s also something quietly English about his style, reminiscent of Michael Carrick’s calmness or Declan Rice’s awareness. He doesn’t chase attention; he just plays the right pass at the right time. Amorim’s structure would give him the platform to expand that influence, allowing him to take more responsibility in transitions and play the vertical passes that Palace’s setup sometimes limits.

Wharton might not be the headline act of United’s rebuild, but he could be the one who makes it function. Every great midfield needs a player who keeps things ticking, who connects lines and simplifies chaos. Wharton fits that bill perfectly. If Amorim wants to build a side capable of both pressing and playing, the Palace youngster looks like the kind of intelligent, grounded footballer who can bridge those worlds.

Hayden Hackney: The Composed Craftsman

In the Championship, few midfielders have attracted as much quiet admiration as Hayden Hackney. At 23, the Middlesbrough man already looks like a player capable of stepping into a Premier League system built on structure and possession. His numbers back that up too, and they tell the story of a midfielder who’s confident, composed, and quietly progressive in everything he does.

Hackney ranks 97.2 percentile for progressive carries, 96.7 for forward passes, and 77.1 for key passes, showing that he not only moves the ball well but moves it with purpose. He’s the kind of midfielder who always looks to take United up the pitch rather than sideways, and that willingness to advance play would fit neatly within Rúben Amorim’s aggressive positional framework.

What makes Hackney interesting isn’t just the numbers, though. It’s the maturity behind his decision-making. He rarely forces the issue but keeps play moving, linking defence and attack without unnecessary flair. Amorim likes players who understand timing, when to press, when to hold, when to play short or long, and Hackney’s calmness under pressure would appeal to a coach who values intelligence as much as intensity.

Defensively, he’s not the strongest. His 19.7 percentile in duels shows that he’s not naturally combative, and he can be brushed off when play gets physical. But that doesn’t mean he shies away from work. He tracks back diligently, covers passing lanes, and positions himself well enough to intercept rather than tackle. In Amorim’s structure, where pressing is coordinated rather than individual, that kind of awareness is often more valuable than brute strength.

In possession, Hackney’s vision stands out. He has a knack for finding the free man between the lines, threading passes through tight spaces, or switching play at just the right moment. It’s not hard to imagine him as the deeper-lying half of a midfield pairing, dictating from behind while someone like Ugarte or Baleba handles the heavy lifting.

There’s also something to be said for his development path. Coming from the Championship, Hackney has learned resilience. He’s not been cushioned by a system that dominates the ball every week, which means his reads under pressure and his ability to operate in broken play are sharper than most young playmakers. That adaptability could make the transition to Amorim’s demanding structure smoother than many might expect.

If Manchester United are serious about scouting within the domestic pyramid, Hackney represents the kind of undervalued talent they’ve often overlooked. He wouldn’t walk into the starting XI immediately, but as a rotation option with technical security and room to grow, he’d be a smart addition. In a squad still searching for balance between intensity and control, Hackney offers a rare mix of composure and progression — a player who quietly makes everything around him work better.

Elliott Anderson: The Direct Runner

Every midfield needs a disruptor, someone who moves the game forward when everyone else wants to play safe. Elliott Anderson might just be that player for Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United. The 22-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder has quietly built a reputation for his energy, drive, and sharpness between the lines, and his numbers suggest he’s ready for a bigger stage.

Anderson’s data paints the picture of a midfielder who wants to hurt opponents with every touch. He ranks 94.0 percentile for progressive passes, 95.8 for forward passes, and 80.8 for key passes, numbers that show a player constantly looking to play vertically. His 68.8 duel percentile also highlights a willingness to press and battle, which fits neatly into Amorim’s demand for intensity out of possession.

Unlike some of United’s current midfielders, Anderson doesn’t overcomplicate his game. He turns quickly, drives into space, and releases the ball early. In many ways, he plays with the instincts of a winger who has been converted into a midfielder, which makes him particularly dangerous when play opens up in transition.

Under Amorim, who favours aggressive pressing and quick transitions, Anderson could thrive as one of the two advanced eights in a 3-4-3 or as the more mobile half of a double pivot. He brings verticality to possession and chaos to defensive lines, the sort of unpredictability that can change games.

What sets him apart from others on United’s radar is his flexibility. He’s comfortable dropping into the half-spaces, tracking back to press full-backs, or bursting into the box when space opens up. That versatility would make him a useful tactical tool for Amorim, especially in matches where United need to switch between control and aggression.

The one area that still needs polish is consistency. Anderson’s numbers are strong, but his performances can fluctuate. Some games he looks unplayable, others he fades into the background. Amorim has shown before that he can iron that out of a player’s game through structure and clarity, and Anderson’s raw attributes suggest he could become a very effective squad option in that kind of environment.

The challenge with Elliott Anderson is cost. Now established at Nottingham Forest and recently earning an England call-up, his valuation has skyrocketed. Reports suggest Forest would not consider selling for anything under £100 million, which puts him in the same financial bracket as players United have tried and failed to sign before. For all his energy, pressing intelligence, and vertical passing, that kind of fee feels excessive for a player still developing consistency at Premier League level. Amorim values Anderson’s profile, but not at that price. Unless Forest lower their demands, he is more likely to remain an admirer’s dream than a realistic target.

In short, Anderson offers something different to the rest of United’s potential midfield options. He’s less about control and more about confrontation, less about rhythm and more about breaking lines. Every team needs a midfielder who runs toward the chaos instead of away from it, and Amorim might see exactly that kind of spark in Elliott Anderson.

Andrey Santos: The Reluctant Rival

When Manchester United’s interest in Andrey Santos surfaced last summer, it raised a few eyebrows. Chelsea were reluctant to sell, despite the Brazilian struggling for minutes since joining from Vasco da Gama. Yet beneath the surface, it’s easy to see why Rúben Amorim and United’s recruitment staff were watching closely.

Andrey Santos thrived on loan at Strasbourg last season, where he found rhythm and responsibility. His numbers from the 2024/25 season are quietly impressive: 98.4 percentile for duels, 84.2 for possession won, and 81.4 percent forward pass accuracy across more than 3,000 minutes. Since then Santos has returned to Chelsea and is firmly backup to Enzo, Caicedo, and Lavia. But at Strasbourg, he showed both discipline and drive, proving that he can anchor a midfield in a way few 21-year-olds can.

Santos isn’t a flamboyant player. He’s not going to split defences with slide-rule passes like Bruno Fernandes, nor does he glide across the pitch like Enzo Fernández. Instead, he’s a steady, physically imposing central midfielder who thrives on control and tempo. His 77.5 percentile for forward passes and 49.6 for progressive passes highlight that he moves the ball sensibly rather than spectacularly, keeping transitions measured and intelligent.

Under Amorim, that kind of profile has clear value. The Portuguese coach demands midfielders who understand space and timing, who know when to press and when to hold, and who can connect lines without losing shape. Santos fits that brief perfectly. He plays with maturity beyond his years, keeping the game simple and secure, but still progressive enough to carry United up the pitch when needed.

There’s also a tactical familiarity at play. Amorim’s double pivots rely on complementary movement, one sitting, one stepping. Santos could slot into either role, depending on who partners him. Alongside Ugarte, he could form a physically dominant duo capable of controlling transitions. Next to a more creative option like Stiller or Wharton, he could play the disciplined role that allows others to flourish.

The potential swap deal involving Kobbie Mainoo has added intrigue to the situation. Chelsea’s admiration for Mainoo is genuine, and while United won’t want to lose one of their brightest homegrown prospects, they know Santos offers something more immediate in terms of physical maturity and tactical discipline. He’s already proven he can handle senior football across different systems, something Mainoo is still learning.

From a data perspective, Santos is as balanced as they come. He’s not elite in creativity but ranks strongly across duels, recoveries, and forward distribution. His 34.9 percentile for key passes might seem modest, but his job isn’t to create chances — it’s to make sure others can. In many ways, he’s the kind of midfielder United have missed since the decline of Nemanja Matić, one who shields the back line and simplifies the build-up.

If United are serious about reshaping their midfield around Amorim’s principles, Santos represents a sensible and strategic target. He’s young, coachable, physically robust, and already performing consistently at senior level. Chelsea’s refusal to sell last summer might have been understandable, but if United do return with a player-plus-cash offer involving Mainoo, the conversation could shift.

Amorim’s system doesn’t rely on individuals but on balance, and Santos could bring precisely that. He’s not the loudest player on the pitch, but he’s the kind who makes everything around him function more smoothly. In a squad full of flair, United might just need someone who does the quiet work — and that’s exactly where Andrey Santos fits.

Matias Siltanen: The Rising Architect

Every so often, a player comes along whose composure makes you double-check their age. Matias Siltanen, an 18-year-old defensive midfielder from Djurgården, fits that description perfectly. Right-footed, technically clean, and remarkably calm under pressure, he already plays like someone who has spent years mastering the rhythm of senior football.

The numbers are striking for someone so young. Siltanen ranks 95.6 percentile for forward passes, 89.9 for progressive passes, and 91.5 percent for forward pass accuracy. Those figures don’t just hint at ambition; they show control. He moves the ball with intent and precision, rarely wasting a touch. What stands out is how deliberate he is with his passing — never hopeful, always calculated.

He’s what you might call a progressive destroyer, a defensive midfielder who understands that the best way to relieve pressure is to pass through it. He isn’t one for constant duelling, but when he engages, he tends to win. His 89.1 percentile in duels and 71.9 in possession won show the balance between timing and aggression that Amorim looks for in his midfielders. He’s an intelligent defender, reading situations early rather than diving into tackles.

Watch him closely, and you see the little details that separate prospects from professionals. He’s constantly scanning, already looking up as he receives the ball. He adjusts his body shape to play first time, often hitting the runner in stride. Occasionally, the weight of the pass can be off, but the idea is always right. There are very few 18-year-old midfielders in any league capable of that kind of awareness.

Siltanen’s profile feels tailor-made for a side like Brighton or Brentford, the kind of club that spots technical maturity before the market catches up. Yet the more you look at him, the more you sense he could also be worth the risk for a club like Manchester United. Amorim’s system rewards midfielders who can think and execute quickly, and Siltanen’s passing range and composure under pressure suggest he could develop into that type with time.

Of course, it would be a step up. The Allsvenskan doesn’t move at Premier League pace, and adapting to United’s intensity would take patience. But as a developmental signing, the logic is sound. United’s recruitment in recent years has been criticised for overlooking intelligent, technical young players in favour of ready-made names. Siltanen represents the exact opposite approach: a long-term project that could become elite if given the right environment.

For depth, for future value, and for tactical fit, he’s worth serious consideration. Amorim has shown that he’s not afraid to trust youth if the fundamentals are there, and Siltanen has all the right ones: positional awareness, courage in possession, and a natural instinct for progression. He might not be ready to anchor United’s midfield next season, but give him a couple of years, and he could be the one doing the conducting.

He’s a seriously talented player, the sort that big clubs are already tracking quietly. Whether it’s United or one of the Premier League’s data-savvy operators who move first, it feels inevitable that Matias Siltanen’s next step will come sooner rather than later.

The Puzzle Amorim Needs to Solve

Manchester United’s midfield situation is no longer about collecting names. It is about finding the right blend. Amorim’s ideal structure depends on three things: discipline, intelligence, and mobility.

Ugarte brings the discipline. He wins the ball, anchors the shape, and keeps the game organised. Stiller adds the intelligence. He controls tempo, finds solutions under pressure, and helps United breathe when matches turn frantic. Bouaddi adds the mobility. He presses with intent, carries with purpose, and brings youthful energy into a system built on constant movement.

It is easy to imagine how Amorim wants it to look. Ugarte sitting deep, Stiller dictating play, Bouaddi breaking lines. It is a midfield that could evolve with time, one that mixes structure with creativity and experience with youth.

Patience will still be needed. Bouaddi has a lot to learn and Stiller must adapt to the Premier League’s pace. But for once, United’s midfield planning feels coherent. Amorim has a clear vision, even if getting there depends on what the club can afford.

A Blueprint Shaped by Reality

Money could yet define what Rúben Amorim is able to build. The potential sale of Bruno Fernandes to Saudi Arabia would change things dramatically. A big fee would open the door to signings that might otherwise be out of reach. The temptation to spend heavily will always exist, but history has shown that expensive deals at Old Trafford rarely guarantee success. In fact, they often bring pressure that players struggle to escape.

Big-money signings arrive with a price tag that becomes their first opponent. Every misplaced pass or quiet game turns into a social media storm. The truth is that the midfielder United sign this summer is unlikely to be one who racks up goals or assists. They will be someone who wins duels, plugs gaps, and makes the pass before the assist. Football has become so obsessed with attacking statistics that anyone who does not score or create is quickly branded a flop.

Look at Manuel Ugarte. He was brought in to add aggression, structure, and control, yet many question his quality simply because he does not play risky forward passes or appear on the highlight reels. He is doing the role he was signed to do, but because it is unglamorous, it goes unnoticed. That is the challenge for Amorim and United’s recruitment team. They must identify a midfielder who fits the tactical need, and then communicate clearly what that role is. Otherwise, the narrative will be written before the player even kicks a ball.

The smarter route might be to look for value instead of glamour. Players such as Bouaddi, Hayden Hackney, Angelo Stiller, and Matias Siltanen would arrive with lower expectations but far greater room for development. They are system players rather than marketing tools, the kind of footballers who make others better. Amorim’s best work has always come from coaching, from developing players into specialists who fit a plan rather than chasing the illusion of complete midfielders.

Manchester United does not need another big-name signing that becomes a lightning rod for criticism. They need balance, patience, and clarity of purpose. If the club can focus on the right profiles instead of the biggest names, Amorim’s rebuild might finally bring coherence to a midfield that has lacked identity for years.

This is not about replacing individuals but about restoring purpose. Whether the funds come from a major sale or a modest budget, the path forward is clear. United’s next great midfield will not be built on glamour or hype, but on intelligence, discipline, and fit. And maybe that is exactly what the club, and its supporters, have been missing.