Manchester United may need to sign three players if they sell their disastrous midfielder! The new star's contract renewal still might lead to bench role, he trains hard to improve.

Manchester United plans to sign two new midfielders in the summer window, but English media believe they might need three! Especially if Ugarte is sold, the midfield personnel reserves for the Red Devils returning to the Champions League next season will be even more insufficient. The 34-year-old Casemiro has officially announced his departure after this season, meaning only Kobbie Mainoo is definitely staying in the defensive midfield position.

The 20-year-old academy prodigy Kobbie Mainoo has confirmed he will sign a new contract, and the match against Bournemouth marked his 11th consecutive start after Ruben Amorim's departure. However, in the 4231 formation, the young English player is still only a supporting role in both attack and defense; when teammates Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are underperforming, he cannot shoulder the burden alone.

In Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, the Red Devils' midfield could not suppress the opponent. When they were down to ten men in the 82nd minute, Carrick had to substitute Casemiro, who was carrying a yellow card and fatigued, bringing on Ugarte and Eden Haven to secure the draw. Apart from Casemiro, United lacks another defensive midfielder with balanced offensive and defensive capabilities, leading to numerous defensive issues for the team.

Among the seven victories under Carrick's management, four were narrow one-goal wins. He did not substitute Casemiro earlier precisely because there was no suitable replacement. Ugarte certainly isn't viable; his appearances often signal that Manchester United will concede goals. Especially in the visit to Newcastle United earlier this month, after Ugarte replaced 'Fat Tiger' at 61 minutes, United, with an extra player, was surprisingly defeated by a last-minute goal from the opponent.

Ugarte can be described as Manchester United's 'waste material' or 'jinx'. The 24-year-old Uruguayan midfielder, who joined for 60 million euros, has only started nine times this season. During his appearances, United conceded a staggering 25 goals, with nine of those occurring after he was substituted onto the field.

Some describe Ugarte this way: even if Ugarte is brought on in the 89th minute, Manchester United fans' hearts still leap to their throats. Upon joining, Ugarte boldly stated: "When Manchester United controls the ball, it's a match; when Manchester United doesn't control the ball, it's a battle." In reality, when Ugarte is on the field, his teammates face a tough battle...

In the match against Bournemouth, Ugarte finally did not bring disaster, and United, with fewer players, held onto the draw. However, his foolish foul in the backfield during the final moments still caused alarm. Fans once again felt that when Ugarte is on the pitch, United is like playing with nine against eleven! The British "Sun" joked that if Ugarte transfers, many United fans would compete to drive him free to Manchester Airport and pay for his flight ticket.

Ugarte not only lost the trust of Ruben Amorim, who previously worked with him at Sporting CP, but also failed to win Carrick's approval, thus never starting under Carrick. Carrick never even allowed him to play over 30 minutes—the risk was too great.

Manchester United's midfield offensive capability is decent, but its defense is like paper, almost devoid of resistance. However, if they return to the Champions League next season, the team not only needs formidable midfield warriors but also ample reserves. Playing a 4231 formation requires at least four defensive midfielders. If Ugarte is sold and only two midfielders are brought in, then there would be only three defensive midfielders, possibly insufficient to support a full season.

In Manchester United's match against Bournemouth, England's Alex Scott under Iraola impressed United. Although he was omitted from Tuchel's announced 35-man England squad list, he performed excellently. The Red Devils need midfielders like him who can organize attacks, participate in defense, and possess fighting spirit.

If Manchester United brings in two or three excellent new midfielders in the summer window, then Mainoo, who is about to renew his contract, will face challenges again. He started every match after Carrick took charge and returned to the England squad. However, his current playing style also suggests that once new midfielders are purchased, he might have to become a rotation player.

"The Athletic" expert Laurie Whitwell reveals that to strive for progress and secure a starting role, Mainoo has been putting in extra training sessions, particularly improving three aspects. "Whether in club training or additional sessions, Kobbie (Mainoo) is working hard to enhance his agility, physical fitness, and running ability. Clearly, he also knows there are many areas he must improve."