Manchester United may have lifted the Premier League Summer Series, but captain Bruno Fernandes wasn’t impressed. His blunt verdict? “We were lazy.”
Bruno didn’t hold back after United’s 2-2 draw vs Everton:
“Our performance wasn’t the best. We were a little bit lazy... We need more quality to raise competition.”
Despite £133m spent on Mbeumo & Cunha, the midfield lacks bite, the defence is leaky, and the No.9 spot still looks empty.
Time to act. Here’s who
Benjamin Šeško – RB Leipzig (£70m+) United’s absence of a recognised striker in their recent line-up against Everton underscored a glaring issue. Despite dynamic attacking transitions, the lack of a focal point was evident. With Rasmus Højlund scoring just four league goals last season, the need for a consistent goal-scorer is critical. Benjamin Šeško, the top-scoring player under 23 in Europe’s top five leagues last season, is the club’s main target. The Slovenian striker brings clinical finishing and physical presence, though United face strong competition from Newcastle. Still, if United are to invest heavily in their attack, it must start with a reliable No.9 and Šeško fits the profile perfectly.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – Paris Saint-Germain (TBD) Concerns over André Onana’s form and fitness have raised questions about United’s goalkeeping stability. With Altay Bayındır unconvincing and veteran Tom Heaton nearing 40, Amorim may look for a long-term upgrade. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is entering the final year of his PSG contract, could be a compelling option. With his No.1 status under Luis Enrique reportedly under threat due to Lucas Chevalier’s arrival from Lille, United could capitalise on the opportunity if the Italian’s valuation becomes reasonable. A serial winner and commanding presence, Donnarumma would bring elite-level assurance between the posts.
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Morten Hjulmand – Sporting CP (£40m) United’s midfield remains unbalanced. Kobbie Mainoo offers quality but lacks physicality, and new signing Manuel Ugarte struggled against Everton and was left out of Sporting’s Europa League final lineup last season. A logical solution is Morten Hjulmand, who replaced Ugarte at Sporting under Amorim and thrived in the same system, helping deliver back-to-back league titles. The Danish international is tactically intelligent and physically capable, though his underwhelming passing numbers in Champions League matches may raise questions about his adaptability to Premier League intensity.
Carlos Baleba – Brighton & Hove Albion (£70m) For a more Premier League-ready option, Carlos Baleba stands out. The 20-year-old Cameroon international dominated United’s midfield at Old Trafford last season in Brighton’s 3-1 win a performance that reportedly left Amorim furious. Though his £70m valuation is steep, Baleba’s blend of athleticism, pressing ability, and box-to-box energy makes him a safer investment. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has already endorsed the move, even suggesting United prioritise Baleba over Šeško, citing his ability to transform the midfield dynamic.
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Javi Guerra – Valencia (£20m) For a more affordable, long-term investment, United could turn to Javi Guerra. The 22-year-old Spanish midfielder has established himself as a standout performer in a struggling Valencia side over the last two seasons. With his contract negotiations stalling and Valencia facing financial instability, Guerra could be acquired for around £20m. His energy, tactical intelligence, and box-to-box attributes would make him a smart rotational option with future upside.
Lucien Agoumé – Sevilla FC (£20m) Another budget-friendly alternative is Lucien Agoumé. After a string of loan spells, the French midfielder joined Sevilla for just €8m from Inter and has since impressed, especially during France’s U21 Euro campaign, where he stood out as a defensive midfield anchor. Agoumé is a tenacious ball-winner with excellent long-range passing vision. Though previously linked to Arsenal, he now appears available for around £20m a reasonable fee for a player with a skill set well-suited to Amorim’s style.
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