Manchester United Target Leon Goretzka as Midfield Overhaul Begins This Summer

Manchester United are once again preparing for a major rebuild in midfield, and this summer could finally bring the long-awaited changes fans have been calling for. Among the names now being seriously linked with a move to Old Trafford is Leon Goretzka — a player who could bring both quality and experience to a squad in transition.

Despite uncertainty around who will be leading the team next season, with Michael Carrick currently in a strong position to take over permanently, work behind the scenes is already well underway. Director of Football Jason Wilcox is expected to oversee a crucial transfer window, with midfield identified as a top priority.

And the reasons are clear.

Casemiro has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. While there was once a clause that could have extended his stay, it has now been waived, meaning United will lose one of their most experienced midfield figures.

At the same time, Manuel Ugarte could also be on his way out after failing to live up to expectations since his £50 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. With two central midfielders potentially leaving, the need for reinforcements is no longer optional — it is essential.

This is where Goretzka enters the picture.

According to Givemesport reports, United believe they have “an advantage” in the race to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder, who is set to become a free agent this summer. That opportunity alone makes him an attractive option — a player with elite-level experience available without a transfer fee.

Even more interesting is the suggestion that United have already made moves to hijack a potential deal involving Arsenal. If true, it signals clear intent from the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Goretzka’s profile fits what United are currently lacking.

He is strong, energetic, and tactically flexible. He can operate as a box-to-box midfielder, contribute defensively, and still make an impact in attack. More importantly, he brings experience at the highest level, including success in the UEFA Champions League.

For a team hoping to return to that competition next season, that experience could prove invaluable.

Right now, Kobbie Mainoo is the only consistent option in that box-to-box role. The young midfielder has impressed since Carrick’s arrival, showing maturity and composure well beyond his years.

Even Casemiro, a player who has seen it all, has been full of praise.

“Kobbie is the present and the future,” he said. “I think he is one of the best No.8s and can be for that for the next 12 years.”

That endorsement highlights just how highly Mainoo is rated within the squad.

However, relying solely on a young player in such a key position carries risks. United need support around him — players who can share responsibility and bring balance to the midfield.

Goretzka could be one part of that solution.

He has the ability to play alongside Mainoo or even rotate with him depending on the tactical setup. His presence would also help fill the leadership gap left by Casemiro’s departure.

But he is not the only name on United’s list.

The club have also been strongly linked with Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, as well as Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United. There have even been outside links to Eduardo Camavinga, though that move appears less likely.

Among these options, Anderson is believed to be the club’s preferred target. However, there is a complication — Manchester City are currently ahead in the race for his signature.

That creates a potential dilemma.

While Goretzka would be a strong addition, missing out on Anderson to a direct rival could be a bigger setback. At 22, Anderson represents the kind of long-term investment United have been trying to prioritise.

Other names, including Carlos Baleba, Amadou Onana, and Adam Wharton, have also been mentioned as alternatives. Each offers a different skill set, but the key question remains — which direction do United want to take?

Do they prioritise experience, like Goretzka? Or do they focus on youth and long-term development?

Ideally, they will aim for both.

That is why reports suggest United could sign more than one midfielder this summer. One experienced player to provide leadership, and one younger talent to grow alongside Mainoo.

From a tactical point of view, this approach makes sense.

Modern football demands depth, flexibility, and competition for places. United have lacked all three in midfield at various points this season, and addressing that weakness will be critical if they are to compete at the highest level again.

The coming months will be decisive.

With key players leaving, new targets emerging, and competition from rival clubs increasing, Manchester United must get their recruitment right. The margin for error is small — especially in a league as competitive as the Premier League.