Manchester United’s midfield rebuild under Michael Carrick could define the club’s next era.
With Ederson expected to arrive from Atalanta and Casemiro’s departure creating a major gap in midfield, United are reportedly looking at further additions rather than treating Ederson as the only solution. Reports have linked the club with a wide range of midfielders, including Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Angelo Stiller and Morten Hjulmand.
That makes this a much more interesting tactical question than simply asking: “Who should United sign?”
The real question is:
How do these midfielders fit with Ederson, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte?
The Current Manchester United Midfield Picture
Before analysing the targets, United’s existing midfield options need to be considered.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno remains the obvious creative hub.
Even if Carrick wants more control, Bruno is still United’s best final-third passer, chance creator and attacking midfielder. His role is likely to remain close to a number 10, though Carrick may want to reduce how much defensive covering he has to do.
Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo is one of the most important players in this entire rebuild.
He can play as a deeper midfielder, but his best long-term role may be as a press-resistant number eight who receives between lines, links play and progresses possession without being forced to do all the defensive work.
Mason Mount
Mount should not be forgotten.
He is not a pure number 10 and not a pure central midfielder. His best use under Carrick may be as a high-energy interior who presses, combines quickly and supports attacks from the half-spaces.
Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte is the obvious defensive specialist already at the club.
However, recent reports have suggested United may be willing to move him on as part of the rebuild, which matters because signing Ederson does not automatically replace Ugarte’s pure ball-winning profile.
Ederson
Ederson is the first major piece of the puzzle.
He is dynamic, aggressive and capable of carrying the ball through pressure. Reports describe him as Carrick’s first signing and potentially the first of at least two midfield arrivals.
But he is not a classic holding midfielder.
That means United may still need one of three profiles:
- A controller
- A destroyer
- Another athletic number eight
The best target depends on what Carrick wants Ederson to become.
Carrick’s Likely Midfield Shape
Carrick could use two main systems.
Option One: 4-2-3-1
This is the safer structure.
Midfield shape:
Two deeper midfielders
One attacking midfielder
Example:
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This gives United:
- Balance
- Press resistance
- Creativity
- A familiar Premier League structure
The issue is whether Ederson and Mainoo provide enough defensive security against elite transition teams.
Option Two: 4-3-3
This may be the long-term goal.
Midfield shape:
One holder
Two number eights
Example:
New signing
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno either wide, advanced, or as one of the eights depending on the match
This is where targets such as Tchouameni, Baleba, Hjulmand, Wharton and Stiller become especially important.
Option Three: 4-2-2-2 / Box Midfield
This could suit Mount and Bruno.
Example:
Ederson + New signing
Bruno + Mount
This would create central overloads and allow United to press aggressively, but it would require excellent full-backs and wide forwards to provide width.
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson may be the most natural Premier League fit on the list.
He offers energy, ball progression and physicality without needing the team to be rebuilt entirely around him. Reports have repeatedly linked United with Anderson, although competition from Manchester City has also been reported.
What Anderson Brings
Anderson is not a sitting midfielder.
He is more of a number eight who can:
- Drive through midfield
- Press aggressively
- Carry the ball under pressure
- Support attacks
- Compete physically
How He Fits With Ederson
This would give United an extremely energetic midfield.
Potential shape:
Ederson
Anderson + Mainoo
Bruno
Or:
Ederson + Anderson
Bruno
The concern is that an Ederson-Anderson-Mainoo midfield could become very dynamic but slightly short of a pure tempo-controller.
Who Benefits?
Mainoo could benefit because Anderson would share the physical burden.
Bruno could benefit because Anderson would cover ground behind him.
Mount might struggle slightly for minutes because Anderson occupies similar high-energy interior spaces.
Verdict
Anderson is probably one of the safest Premier League options, especially if Carrick wants intensity and mobility.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Tchouameni is the elite defensive midfield option.
If United signed him, the structure changes immediately.
What Tchouameni Brings
- Defensive security
- Physical dominance
- Champions League experience
- Ability to play as a lone six
- Ball-winning without chaos
How He Fits With Ederson
This might be the cleanest tactical fit.
Potential shape:
Tchouameni
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This gives United:
- A true holder
- Two mobile midfielders ahead
- Better protection against counters
- More freedom for Bruno
What Happens To Ugarte?
If Tchouameni arrived, Ugarte would almost certainly become less essential.
They are not identical, but both occupy the defensive midfield space. Tchouameni is simply more complete in possession.
Verdict
Tchouameni would be the dream signing tactically, but also likely the hardest to complete.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali would be one of the most interesting signings because he can do a bit of everything.
What Tonali Brings
- Passing range
- Defensive work rate
- Tactical intelligence
- Set-piece quality
- Premier League experience
How He Fits With Ederson
Tonali and Ederson could form a very balanced double pivot.
Potential shape:
Tonali + Ederson
Bruno
This would allow Mainoo to rotate, play higher in certain matches or develop without being overloaded.
In a 4-3-3:
Tonali
Ederson + Mainoo
That would offer more control than Anderson, but perhaps less raw athleticism.
What Happens To Mount?
Mount could still play as a pressing number 10 or left-sided interior.
Tonali’s arrival would not directly block him in the way Anderson might.
Verdict
Tonali would be one of the best “win now” options. He is less of a pure destroyer than Tchouameni, but more rounded than most targets.
Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes is one of the more realistic names in the current market, with recent reports saying United are leading the race for the West Ham midfielder.
What Fernandes Brings
- Ball carrying
- Technical quality
- Press resistance
- Youth and upside
- Ability to play as an eight
How He Fits With Ederson
This is a high-energy, high-upside combination.
Potential shape:
Ederson
Fernandes + Mainoo
Bruno
Or:
Ederson + Fernandes
Bruno
Fernandes would help United become more press-resistant, but this combination still raises the same question:
Who is the pure controller?
Who Benefits?
Mainoo could benefit from not having to be the only young technical midfielder.
Bruno could benefit from more players able to carry the ball into advanced zones.
Mount may again face competition for an interior role.
Verdict
Fernandes looks like a Carrick-style project signing. He may not solve every structural problem immediately, but he raises the technical floor of the midfield.
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba is the high-ceiling athletic option.
What Baleba Brings
- Power
- Recovery pace
- Ball-winning
- Carrying ability
- Premier League experience
Baleba is not as refined as some options, but physically he could transform United’s midfield.
How He Fits With Ederson
This would be one of the most athletic midfields in Europe.
Potential shape:
Baleba
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
Or:
Baleba + Ederson
Bruno
The advantage is obvious: United would become much harder to run through.
The concern is control. Baleba and Ederson together could be devastating in transition, but Carrick would need Mainoo or Bruno to provide calm possession.
What Happens To Ugarte?
Baleba would likely make Ugarte less necessary because both offer ball-winning and physical coverage.
Verdict
Baleba is the “raise the ceiling” signing. He may not be the cleanest stylistic fit, but he could solve United’s athleticism problem almost instantly.
Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton is the controller.
If Carrick wants United to look more like a possession side, Wharton may be one of the most interesting names on the list.
What Wharton Brings
- Passing range
- Tempo control
- Calmness
- First-phase build-up quality
- Left-footed balance
How He Fits With Ederson
This is one of the most logical combinations.
Potential shape:
Wharton + Ederson
Bruno
Wharton controls.
Ederson covers ground.
Bruno creates.
In a 4-3-3:
Wharton
Ederson + Mainoo
That might be the most Carrick-like midfield on the list.
Who Benefits?
Mainoo would benefit hugely because Wharton would reduce his build-up burden.
Bruno would benefit because United could get the ball into advanced areas more consistently.
Mount would still be useful as a pressing option.
Verdict
Wharton may be the best stylistic fit if Carrick wants United to control games rather than simply become more physical.
Angelo Stiller
Angelo Stiller is another controller option, but with a more continental feel.
What Stiller Brings
- Positional intelligence
- Passing rhythm
- Build-up control
- Tactical discipline
- Calmness under pressure
How He Fits With Ederson
Stiller could play as the deepest midfielder, allowing Ederson and Mainoo to operate ahead of him.
Potential shape:
Stiller
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This would give United a proper passer at the base of midfield.
Strength Compared To Wharton
Stiller may be more experienced tactically in structured possession.
Weakness Compared To Wharton
Wharton already knows the Premier League.
Verdict
Stiller is probably one of the smartest options if United want a Carrick-style passer, but adaptation risk must be considered.
Morten Hjulmand
Morten Hjulmand is one of the most obvious Ugarte-style alternatives.
What Hjulmand Brings
- Defensive discipline
- Leadership
- Ball-winning
- Positional awareness
- Simplicity in possession
How He Fits With Ederson
Potential shape:
Hjulmand
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This gives United a stable base.
Hjulmand holds.
Ederson presses and carries.
Mainoo links.
Bruno creates.
What Happens To Ugarte?
This is the clearest sign that Ugarte would likely leave or drop down the pecking order.
Hjulmand and Ugarte are not identical, but both are defensive midfielders who focus heavily on protection and duels.
Verdict
Hjulmand is not the most glamorous option, but he might be one of the most structurally useful.
Marc Casado
Marc Casado would be a more technical and positional signing.
What Casado Brings
- Positional discipline
- Short passing
- Press resistance
- Tactical maturity
- Barcelona-style midfield habits
How He Fits With Ederson
Casado could play as a controlling six in games where United expect to dominate possession.
Potential shape:
Casado
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This would be technically strong but perhaps less physically dominant than a Tchouameni or Baleba version.
Who Benefits?
Mainoo would gain a natural passing partner.
Bruno would receive more controlled service.
Mount could rotate into advanced pressing roles.
Verdict
Casado would be a bold technical signing, but Carrick would need to protect him physically in the Premier League.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott is not a like-for-like defensive midfield target.
He is more of a creative, versatile number eight or attacking midfielder.
What Scott Brings
- Ball carrying
- Creativity
- Press resistance
- Versatility
- Homegrown value
How He Fits With Ederson
Scott would not solve the holding midfield question.
Potential shape:
Ederson
Mainoo + Scott
Bruno
This looks exciting but may be too open unless United dominate possession.
More likely:
Ederson + New DM
Scott / Mainoo / Mount rotating ahead
What Happens To Mount?
Scott would compete directly with Mount for minutes.
Both thrive as energetic, technical attacking midfielders rather than pure holders.
Verdict
Scott would be a squad-depth and development signing rather than the main midfield solution.
Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney is another intelligent, technical option.
What Hackney Brings
- Progressive passing
- Composure
- Work rate
- Championship-developed robustness
- Tactical intelligence
How He Fits With Ederson
Hackney could play in a double pivot with Ederson, but may not be ready to anchor United’s midfield every week.
Potential shape:
Ederson + Hackney
Bruno
Or:
New DM
Ederson + Hackney
Who Benefits?
Mainoo could be rotated more carefully.
Mount would still have a role in higher pressing games.
Verdict
Hackney is more of a smart squad-building signing than a headline midfield rebuild piece.
Ibrahim Sangare
Sangare is the most physical ball-winner on the list.
What Sangare Brings
- Tackling
- Strength
- Duel-winning
- Defensive presence
- Aerial ability
How He Fits With Ederson
Potential shape:
Sangare
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This would make United stronger physically, but there are concerns in possession.
If Carrick wants control, Sangare may not be the ideal fit.
What Happens To Ugarte?
Sangare would overlap with Ugarte more than most options.
It would be difficult to justify keeping both as major squad players.
Verdict
Sangare solves a physical problem but may not solve United’s build-up problem.
How United Could Line Up If They Sign One Midfielder
If They Sign A Controller
Example: Wharton or Stiller
Wharton / Stiller
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This is the best version for possession.
If They Sign A Destroyer
Example: Tchouameni, Baleba or Hjulmand
Tchouameni / Baleba / Hjulmand
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This is the best version for defensive security.
If They Sign A Premier League Eight
Example: Anderson or Fernandes
Ederson
Anderson / Fernandes + Mainoo
Bruno
This is the best version for energy and pressing.
How United Could Line Up If They Sign Two Midfielders
This is where the rebuild becomes really interesting.
Combination One: Ederson + Wharton + Anderson
Wharton
Ederson + Anderson
Bruno / Mainoo rotating
This gives United:
- Control
- Energy
- Premier League experience
- Ball progression
But Mainoo’s role becomes more managed.
Combination Two: Ederson + Baleba + Mainoo
Baleba
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This gives United:
- Power
- Pressing
- Athleticism
- Transition control
But it may lack a natural passer from deep.
Combination Three: Ederson + Tchouameni + Mainoo
Tchouameni
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This is probably the strongest on paper.
It offers:
- Elite defensive protection
- Ball progression
- Technical balance
- Big-game quality
Combination Four: Ederson + Stiller + Mount
Stiller
Ederson + Mount
Bruno
This would suit matches where United expect more of the ball.
Mount’s pressing and movement would complement Stiller’s control.
Combination Five: Ederson + Hjulmand + Mainoo
Hjulmand
Ederson + Mainoo
Bruno
This is less flashy but very balanced.
It may be one of the most realistic tactical structures if United want defensive security without depending on Ugarte.
Where Does Mason Mount Fit?
Mount is important because he changes the way United can press.
He is unlikely to be Carrick’s deepest midfielder, but he could be very useful in matches where United want to press high.
Best roles:
- Left-sided number eight
- Advanced number 10
- Narrow attacking midfielder
- Pressing substitute
He fits better with a secure holding midfielder behind him.
Mount + Ederson without a true six may be too open.
Mount + Tchouameni, Hjulmand, Wharton or Stiller looks much more balanced.
Where Does Ugarte Fit?
Ugarte’s future depends on which profile United sign.
If United Sign Tchouameni
Ugarte likely becomes expendable.
If United Sign Hjulmand
Ugarte likely becomes expendable.
If United Sign Wharton Or Stiller
Ugarte could still be useful as a defensive option.
If United Sign Anderson Or Fernandes
Ugarte may still be needed for balance.
This is why United’s second midfield signing matters so much.
Ederson alone does not automatically decide Ugarte’s future.
Where Does Mainoo Fit?
Mainoo should not be forced into one role too early.
His best future may be as a flexible eight who can:
- Receive under pressure
- Carry through midfield
- Link with Bruno
- Play in a double pivot when needed
The ideal signing would reduce pressure on Mainoo rather than block him.
That is why Wharton, Stiller, Tchouameni and Hjulmand all make sense in different ways.
They give Mainoo structure.
The Best Midfield Build For Carrick
If United want balance, the best realistic model is:
One controller or defensive six
Ederson as the engine
Mainoo as the technical eight
Bruno as the creator
Mount as the pressing rotation option
That means United should avoid signing only another number eight.
They already have:
- Ederson
- Mainoo
- Mount
- Bruno
What they still need is either:
- A true controlling six
- A dominant defensive midfielder
Ranking The Targets By Tactical Fit
1. Aurelien Tchouameni
Best overall fit, but hardest deal.
2. Adam Wharton
Best possession fit.
3. Angelo Stiller
Best Carrick-style controller.
4. Carlos Baleba
Best athletic upside.
5. Morten Hjulmand
Best defensive structure signing.
6. Sandro Tonali
Best rounded “win now” midfielder.
7. Elliot Anderson
Best Premier League energy option.
8. Mateus Fernandes
Best high-upside technical project.
9. Marc Casado
Best technical gamble.
10. Alex Scott
Best advanced midfield rotation option.
11. Hayden Hackney
Best squad-depth development signing.
12. Ibrahim Sangare
Best pure ball-winner, but less ideal in possession.
Final Verdict
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild under Michael Carrick cannot stop with Ederson.
Ederson gives United athleticism, pressing and ball-carrying, but he does not automatically solve every midfield issue. Carrick still needs to decide whether the team requires a controller, a defensive anchor or another dynamic number eight.
That decision will shape the entire team.
If United sign Tchouameni, the midfield immediately looks elite.
If they sign Wharton or Stiller, the team becomes more possession-based.
If they sign Baleba, the physical ceiling rises dramatically.
If they sign Anderson or Fernandes, Carrick gets energy and Premier League-ready dynamism.
The key is balance.
United do not just need good midfielders.
They need midfielders who make each other better.
