It seems clear that Manchester United will look to refresh things in midfield in the coming weeks of the January transfer window, if the opportunity arises.
The Red Devils are already without Bruno Fernandes for an unspecified amount of time due to a hamstring injury, with Kobbie Mainoo also sidelined and without clarity on his future.
In the longer term, Ruben Amorim’s side may lose Casemiro, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Thus, it does seem like the Red Devils will be in the market for a new midfielder sooner or later.
It might not come as a surprise, then, that United are linked with a new midfielder this winter.
United target new midfielder
There are already rumours circulating about new midfielders United will look to bring to Old Trafford in the next few weeks and beyond. One of the names who is constantly spoken about is Atletico Madrid and England star Conor Gallagher.
However, the ex-Chelsea man is not the only player on the shortlist.
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According to Caught Offside, the 13-time Premier League Champions are also showing interest in Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The report suggests that talks have been held, as his ‘representatives have made contact’ with the Old Trafford club.
However, they aren’t the only side interested in signing him this winter. Goretzka is also a target for United’s top-flight rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Lilywhites ‘would be prepared to move quickly’ so United might have to act fast to secure a deal. His contract is set to expire in the summer, with the Red Devils perhaps more likely to wait until then.
What Goretzka can bring to United
If there is one thing that you can be sure Goretzka will bring to Amorim’s side, it is bags of experience in midfield. The 30-year-old has been a key man for Bayern over a number of years, and also has 67 caps for Germany to his name.
This season, under Vincent Kompany for the Bundesliga club, he has certainly had a crucial role to play.
The former Schalke man has made 23 appearances across all competitions, showing excellent versatility by operating deeper in midfield as well as a number eight.
One of the benefits of the German midfielder’s game is the fact he is such an effective goalscorer.
He regularly chips in with goals from the middle of the park, and is known to fire home a long-range effort from time to time.
One player who Goretzka is in a similar mould to is Arsenal and England superstar Declan Rice.
The London-born midfielder is a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side, and is looking to guide them to a Premier League and Champions League title this season, having previously been a target for United during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s stint in charge.
Indeed, he’s played 26 games across all competitions, and, like the Bayern star, has operated in a number six role and a more advanced number eight.
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That has helped Rice chip into Arsenal’s title charge with nine goals and assists in the top flight and Champions League.
Not only do the pair operate in the same areas of the pitch, but they also put up similar numbers to each other in the 2024/25 Champions League.
Their progressive passing was a real standout, with the German averaging 6.77 and the Arsenal star 5.59 per 90 minutes.
Goretzka & Rice compared (UCL 24/25)
Stat (per 90)
Goretzka
Rice
Progressive passes
6.77
5.59
Key passes
0.97
0.9
Tackles & interceptions
3.44
3.15
Progressive carries
2.47
2.07
Ball recoveries
4.52
4.05
Stats from Transfermarkt
How United would love to have a player of Rice’s quality in midfield. That is to say, a man who offers plenty of central progression, a threat in the box and works hard out of possession.
Well, it certainly feels like Goretzka ticks those boxes, with ex-teammate Sami Khedira calling him a “machine”.
Aside from that, he’d add versatility and experience to Amoirm’s squad, as they look to go on a run this season and push for European football.
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