Man Utd overhauls midfield, Bruno Fernandes' position shaken

Man Utd are set to overhaul their midfield as part of a major rebuild under Ruben Amorim and overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. At 31, Bruno Fernandes is no longer part of the long-term plans, although he remains captain and creative. The club is prioritising a high-energy, high-intensity midfield while streamlining its wage bill and personnel structure for sustainable development.

The overhaul: energy, intensity and payroll

Amorim’s new philosophy prioritises mobility and intensity in midfield, with high-paid but inconsistent veterans being put under scrutiny. Casemiro, 33, on £350,000 a week, has become a symbol of the club’s previous spending decisions, which the club wants to shake off. Marcus Rashford is no longer untouchable either, with inconsistent form and off-field issues affecting his performances.

Bruno Fernandes is the focus of the review. Although under contract until 2027, his creative form has slowed and Man Utd are willing to listen to suitable offers as part of a restructuring. The aim is a younger, fitter and more resilient midfield capable of playing high-intensity football.

Transfer plans: three pieces for the midfield

Man Utd plans to spend 250 million pounds on a trio of targets: Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest). All three are considered young, physically fit and suitable for Amorim's philosophy. Of which, Baleba is considered the number 1 priority and is ready to move to Old Trafford if accepted. Brighton is said to value him at no less than 100 million pounds.

• Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace: solutions to increase energy and coverage.
• Carlos Baleba – Brighton: number 1 target, expected price not less than 100 million pounds.
• Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest: adds youth and intensity.

Tactical perspective: why Bruno is on the brink

Amorim wants a midfield that can sustain the pressing rhythm and transitions constantly. This requires mobility and a high level of off-the-ball work. Bruno remains the main source of creativity, but in a model that emphasizes intensity, the club needs younger, more physical players to ensure sustainability over the next 2-3 years.

The adjustment does not negate Bruno's leadership value, but reflects the need for rebalancing: less dependence on individual moments, more system in midfield. With Casemiro, the problem lies in salary funds and speed of adaptation to high tempo. With Rashford, the problem is the stability of competitive output.

Restructuring human resources: reducing spending, prioritizing training

INEOS has significantly cut unnecessary spending, aiming for development “for years, not months”. Along with the big deals, Man Utd has accelerated the development of the academy. Kobbie Mainoo has been nurtured under the new philosophy, becoming a central factor for the next generation.

Notable highlights

• Bruno Fernandes: 31 years old, contract until 2027, no longer sure of long-term position.
• Casemiro: 33 years old, salary 350,000 pounds/week, under re-evaluation.
• Marcus Rashford: no longer untouchable due to form and off-field factors.
• Budget expected to be £250m for Wharton, Baleba, Anderson; Baleba is priority number 1, Brighton values ​​him at no less than £100m.

Impact: Symbols and the Cost of Change

Every change comes at a price. For Man Utd, it means taking a risk by considering the captain’s future amid the need for a fresh, more energetic structure. If the transfer targets are completed and the youth development is stepped up, the club can solve the problem of intensity in midfield while optimizing the wage bill.

Bruno stands on a thin line between symbol and victim of the revolution at Old Trafford. In the long term, this decision reflects a consistent direction: prioritizing system, youth and sustainability in operation.