How do we want to structure the midfield department, and what “style of football” do we want to nurture (under this management or a new one)? Unfortunately, it's not as straightforward as signing Midfielder A, B and C, and expecting them to work something out among themselves. If you don't have a consistent identity, integration methodology, set of principles (functional, stylistic or otherwise) and overarching framework in mind, you are not going to construct a high caliber midfield in all likelihood (and to make matters worse, you might end up with an expensively assembled chimeric creature with qualities that align with disparate approaches...where the whole is even lesser than the sum of maladjusted parts). Do we want to commit to a long term project (where we painstakingly develop extremely talented but rough-around-the-edges individuals and consequently the collective) or do we want to sign players who are close to the finished article (and more likely to hit the ground running, even if they don't necessarily boast the highest potential)? Another key consideration: should we sell Bruno Fernandes while he retains decent market value (he is going to turn 30 in a few months, and this might be our last big opportunity to recoup a decent chunk of the fee we paid to Sporting CP), and use those funds (with the possible addition of Mount) to procure the components for a proper 4—3—3, with them being replaced by more evasive and press-resistant No. 10/8 hybrids (like Ødegaard or Bernardo, for example), or do we think they are the ideal spearheads for our midfield-of-the-future?
- In a general sense, Gabriel Moscardo is an appealing prospect, for most clubs (not just Manchester United). He's along the lines of Bruno Guimarães or Declan Rice — someone who can operate as a two way box-to-box midfielder or as a no-nonsense central defensive shield. Exemplifies the rough-around-the-edges profile, though; only 18 years old and far removed from a consistently high level. But the prospect of him and Kobbie Mainoo linking up and maturing as a tandem is just so exciting! Federico Redondo is another one from the South American continent, but he's like a poor man's Busquets in terms of profile, probably more suited to La Liga.
- Martin Zubimendi could be an option, too — as a holding midfielder or No. 8, he could bring some composure and intelligence to a midfield that seems lacking in both aspects. Not the most athletic or physically robust individual though, so adjustments will have to be made, and you can't just throw him to the wolves as a single pivot without adequate support around him (he just won't be able to deal with the gruelling explosiveness of the Premier League on his own). Like Moscardo, the prospect of him linking up with Kobbie Mainoo is quite exciting (both of them are intelligent, technically sound operators and could strike up a mutually beneficial understanding).
- Warren Zaïre-Emery's contract expires next summer, apparently. Definitely won't be sold this summer (and there's a 99% chance that he renews his contract), as he is to Paris Saint-Germain what Mainoo is to United — a youngster who seems mature beyond his years in terms of decision-making on the pitch, and can do just about everything. But we must pull out all stops if there's even a remote opportunity to land him on a free transfer, you can easily envision him as an elite No. 8.
- Nicolò Barella could be an obvious and wonderful signing as a pint-sized dynamo who ceaselessly drives the team forward and is still relatively young, but he is unlikely to leave Internazionale. João Neves is not as good of a ball carrier, but otherwise offers a lot of similar-ish qualities (and might develop into a superior passer in all ranges, as a No. 6 or as a No. 8). But he is going to be extremely expensive, while falling into the rough-around-the-edges category. Pablo Barrios could be an alternative as well, he appears to possess a lot of the right qualities as a playmaking midfielder and receives harsh training under Simeone.
- While we undoubtedly (desperately?) need reinforcement in the mercato, and should definitely consider the aforementioned midfielders (among others, including the likes of Baturina or Simons as Bruno/Mount's prospective replacements), we should leave the door open for the likes of Jack Fletcher and Jayce Fitzgerald (they could be in-house solutions over the coming years, much like Mainoo). Good things come to those who wait, or something along those lines (that's the mantra these days anyway, the objective near-term outlook of Manchester United's midfield is rather dispiriting).
great suggestions. I really liked the look of Redondo too when playing for Argentina youth recently, I’m surprised he hasn’t been picked up yet.