Manchester United will sign a new central midfielder this summer, with the position viewed as an absolute priority for the club due to their issues in that area last season.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen should both move on, while Donny van de Beek will also depart.
A loan move for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat has also not been made permanent, so the club need to bring in a partner for the outstanding Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of midfield, with Bruno Fernandes, who is expected to stay, then operating just ahead of them in a likely 4-2-3-1 formation.
Here, Sports Mole discusses three potential midfield incomings for Man United, with focus on players capable of performing a holding role for the 20-time English champions.
Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain)
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There still seems to be confusion surrounding Mainoo's best position at Man United, but he showed towards the end of last season that he is incredibly effective playing further up the field.
As a result, the Red Devils need to bring in a holder, and Ugarte is that in every sense of the word.
Man United are believed to have held talks with PSG over a potential move for the Uruguay international, who is currently in action for his country at the Copa America.
The 23-year-old only moved to PSG from Sporting Lisbon last summer, and he made 37 appearances in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.
The French giants would allegedly be willing to listen to offers of around £50m for Ugarte, and he seems the perfect fit for the Premier League considering his skill set, which involves tough tackling, clever passing and an incredible engine.
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
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Kimmich's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the Germany international widely expected to leave Bayern during this summer's transfer window.
The 29-year-old was again a vital player for the Munich giants last term, making 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and registering 10 assists in the process.
However, Kimmich's contract at Allianz Arena is due to expire next summer, and he is currently being linked with a number of the world's biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Man United are also said to be in the race, and there is no question that it would be a real statement of intent if the Red Devils were able to bring him to Old Trafford.
Kimmich could be the perfect player to operate alongside Mainoo in the engine room next season, and he would boost a dressing room which is in need of characters after a testing 2023-24 campaign.
Morten Hjulmand (Sporting Lisbon)
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An incredibly talented midfielder, Hjulmand has been in excellent form for Denmark at Euro 2024, and he scored a wonder goal against England in the group stage of the competition.
The 25-year-old entered the tournament off the back of scoring four goals and registering four assists in 49 appearances for Sporting during the 2023-24 campaign.
Sporting are believed to be aware that they will find it difficult to keep hold of Hjulmand on a long-term basis due to the level of his performances in Portugal last season.
There is believed to be an £67.8m release clause in the midfielder's contract, giving his club some protection, and it is unlikely that Man United would be willing to pay that amount for Hjulmand.
The Red Devils need a player capable of setting the tempo from a deep position, and that is a strength of the Dane, while his technical abilities have been on full display at this summer's European Championship.
Matt Law
