21 Jun 2026 19:58:12
Seems Bergvall is seeking a move this summer. Decent box to box option.
I do have a sneaky feeling that Tchouemani will be the player we’re going for in the background.
21 Jun 2026 22:43:06
Am sure that chew my nanny is someone the club would love to sign. Would be the ideal defensive No 6. It would be a fantastic addition.
There is talk that Madrid may be prepared to let him go to help fund their spending spree this summer under Mourinho.
Also, following the major bust up between him and Valverde, it seems likely one of them will have to leave, maybe he is the chosen one!
Whatever, if he and Fernandes were to be signed that would be a fantastic summer and give us excellent midfield options.
22 Jun 2026 10:17:40
I don't think we'll sign a 3rd midfielder, and if we do I don't think they'll be the three of Ederson, Tchouemeni and Fernandes.
Even with Casemiro going and possibly Ugarte too, you'd be essentially signing three new players that would all want to play. Now, I know we have more games, injuries will happen, etc., but with Mainoo too, you'd have four lads itching to start.
This isn't the natural evolution of a squad either. If you sign Tchouemeni, he starts. Fernandes isn't signing to play second fiddle to him, and Ederson is then 4th choice with very limited game time.
That would absolutely solve the midfield problem, but I think we should be looking at the academy for the 4th choice midfielder, or even a player with a different profile than that of £70,000,000£80,000,000 player that will spend the majority of time on the bench.
Money is also finite. We have full back issues and need a winger and a striker. With Ederson done, I don't think the answer to the midfield conundrum is Tchouemeni and Fernandes.
22 Jun 2026 12:36:17
Agree, Mumbles. He is not what we need.
22 Jun 2026 14:05:56
I've no idea, but I have no desire to chew my nanny.
22 Jun 2026 16:33:47
Mumbles, maybe so, but chew my nanny and Fernandes are different types of players.
Fernandes is very press resistant and excellent at progressing the ball forward. While he is also good at getting his foot in and winning the ball back, he will probably be playing more as a No 8.
CMN is very much a defensive midfielder. He excels at that. Yes, he will be playing most of the time, but with increased games, injuries, suspensions and even loss of form, I think we need 5 players to adequately cover the midfield.
We have, most would agree, been lacking a quality midfield for many years. A quality midfield can improve your forward line without buying new forwards, through increased control of the ball and improved chance creation.
Additionally, it can improve your defence without new defenders by offering increased protection.
I do believe to be strong in this area we need 5 quality players to choose from, and just as we concentrated on forwards last summer, then this summer should be fully committed to this area.
Whilst, if (big if) we got those 3 players, it would be a spend of about £180,000,000. There should still be funds for other areas.
Just my view of course, but Bruno/Kobbie covering the No 10 position, Fernandes/Ederson as No 8s (both could play as 6s), and then Tchouameni principally covering No 6. This would give us plenty of options.
Completely different matter, the club have announced the purchase of additional land needed towards the new stadium build.
22 Jun 2026 17:09:53
I get that Iwotb, but I see it as signing 3 players to effectively fill one midfield spot, as Mainoo will be occupying the other one. Of course, injuries, form, suspensions will play a part, and I'm not suggesting we shouldn't have competition in midfield.
I just think doing it all in one window, signing players that will all want/expect to start, isn't a great recipe for success.
If Carrick fails to rotate or give minutes, the harmony could be gone quite quickly.
Emerson is in, and it looks like Fernandes is next. I think a younger player that is happy to deputize and grow with minutes should be the way forward.
Tchouemeni, Ederson and Fernandes is overkill considering the needs of the squad. Not particularly a bad problem to have, but I don't think those 3 are needed.
22 Jun 2026 17:33:39
Personally, I think that 3 midfielders is a must. Last season we were completely reliant on Casemiro and Mainoo once Carrick took over. Cas is gone and Ugarte will be following him. That leaves us with 1 established centre mid.
Next season, we could be playing double the amount of games if we compete in all competitions. We could rely on Mount, but his injury record makes it a risk and he isn't really a midfielder.
None of the academy lads seem like they're ready to play at this level either.
There should be competition for starting positions. That's something our squad has been seriously lacking. If we brought in 3 mids, they'd all get game time. However, they'll have to fight to start in big games. The way things should be.
22 Jun 2026 19:31:33
This is Man Utd. You should have 15/16 lads all itching to start, Mumbles. Our squad depth in terms of quality is dreadful right now.
And, as things stand, we have an unknown in Ederson (who still hasn't officially signed by the way), Ugarte who is dross, and Mainoo for midfield.
22 Jun 2026 19:51:28
I agree we need 3 midfielders, Eric, just not those 3 for the prices they'd cost. Unless the budget is there to fix the full back positions, get a winger and a striker, then I still stand by my point. The profile of those 3 midfielders mentioned isn't the right balance.
22 Jun 2026 22:51:13
I don't see us buying 3 mids... Reckon one will be a promotion or not at all. Tchouemeni would be ace, but I can't think of many Real players being let go at that age. More likely when they're crocked or looking for a final bumper pay day (we've fallen for that one a few times from them). He's a few rungs too high for us atm, in my view.
Also, I wonder if the fact that City haven't as yet managed to sign Anderson could be what's causing us some pause on whatever our next deal might be. It would be a shame for City to walk away for whatever reason, but we've already spunked the dosh on the next player along...
22 Jun 2026 23:43:30
Fair enough, Mumbles, pal. Each to their own.
However, I fundamentally disagree with you. Midfield has to be the absolute priority this summer, pretty much everything else should be secondary, and no concessions should be made.
If, unexpectedly, Tchouameni should become available, then I believe it would represent one of those rare, unprepared-for opportunities which you must go for, as they can prove so significant.
Fairly sure there would still be some funds for other players. I do not think for a minute that we will buy 7 or 8 new players. Can't see it being more than 4 or 5; any more, and there will be difficulties integrating them.
Anyway, we will know all the answers by 31st August. Hope it will be a bit like Xmas and we all get what we want!