Ineos might be required to extend the full scope of their 2026 transfer plans if Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has anything to say about it.
Ruben Amorim was backed in the summer by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s regime at Old Trafford and the cash-strapped Red Devils splashed out on key transfers.
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Ineos dropped hefty fees to bring the likes of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo to the Premier League club over the course of the summer.
Diego Leon also arrived at Old Trafford back in July and the 18-year-old Manchester United wonderkid is tipped as a long-term prospect for the Premier League club.
Ineos’ summer spending spree was signed off on deadline day in September, with the Red Devils bringing Senne Lammens to the club from Royal Antwerp.
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Despite the extensive spending spree for Manchester United in the summer, the Red Devils were unable to bring a new midfielder through the doors at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have struggled at times this season in the heart of midfield, with Ruben Amorim putting his stock predominantly on Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Casemiro is out of contract with United in 2026 and Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have largely been playing second fiddle when it comes to midfield picks.
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According to ESPN, the Red Devils’ ‘recruitment plan’ for the 2026 summer transfer window ‘revolves around’ the acquisition of a ‘top-level central midfielder.’
United have been linked with several different midfielders in recent months, including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Conor Gallagher.
However, a January 2026 move for a midfielder could come at a hefty cost for United, with both Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson valued at over £100m.
ESPN has reported that United are ‘approaching the January window with caution’ and plan to do the ‘bulk of their transfer business’ in the 2026 summer window.
Ruben Amorim’s transfer stance must also be included in Ineos’ 2026 strategy at Old Trafford
Despite United’s wariness around the January transfer market, the Red Devils have reportedly deemed that ‘nothing has been ruled out’ for potential signings.
ESPN reported that United are aware that ‘plans could change’ before the window opens in January, with hints also emerging of what Amorim wants at the club.
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The news outlet added that there is a ‘feeling’ that the 40-year-old United manager wants to bolster his wing-back options in the Red Devils’ first-team squad.
It has been reported that United have made ‘enquiries’ about the potential ‘availability of a number of targets’ when it comes to wing-backs on the market.
Ineos’ backing of Amorim must extend to bringing wing-backs to United next summer, with the left flank in the manager’s system recently looking vulnerable.
A top midfielder is an absolute must for Ineos’ 2026 summer shopping list, but the transfer checklist must shore up weaknesses that are still evident in Amorim’s set-up.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/eHy41BY