Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen recently expressed his surprise that Erik ten Hag has not yet paired an “important” Manchester United player alongside emerging talent Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield.
During his first season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag relied heavily on the experienced duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to anchor the midfield. This partnership proved effective throughout the 2022-23 campaign, helping United secure a respectable finish in the Premier League and make deep runs in cup competitions. However, the 2023-24 season brought new challenges. Casemiro, once a dominant force, saw his influence diminish, while Eriksen struggled with a knee injury that kept him sidelined for much of the season.
Eriksen’s absence created an opportunity for 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo to step up and establish himself as a key figure in United’s midfield. Mainoo had been highly regarded within the club’s academy, and his performances during pre-season in 2023 suggested that he was ready to make the leap to the first team. Unfortunately, a pre-season injury delayed his start to the season, but once he recovered, Mainoo quickly became a regular starter under Ten Hag.
Mainoo made 24 Premier League appearances in the 2023-24 season, scoring three goals and providing an assist. His composure on the ball, combined with his work rate and tactical awareness, made him an indispensable part of United’s midfield. As a result, Ten Hag began to prefer a midfield partnership of Mainoo and Casemiro, leaving Eriksen to compete for limited playing time.
Despite Casemiro’s struggles during the 2023-24 season, the Brazilian midfielder appeared to regain his form as the new season kicked off. He delivered an impressive performance in United’s Community Shield loss to Manchester City and followed it up with a strong showing in their Premier League opener against Fulham. However, questions about his long-term role in the team remain, especially given his age and the physical demands of the Premier League.
Meulensteen weighed in on Casemiro’s situation, noting that while the 32-year-old still possesses key attributes, such as his vision and aerial ability, he may no longer have the legs to dominate the midfield in the same way. Speaking to Metro, Meulensteen remarked, “Casemiro has certain attributes that are still very important, he can see a fantastic pass, has [been] so strong in the air, too. But he is not the youngest and there are no weak teams in this league. You need legs in midfield and, unfortunately, he hasn’t got them.”
In light of these concerns, it is believed that Ten Hag is eager to strengthen his midfield options. Reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte is one of United’s top targets. Ugarte, known for his defensive prowess and energy, could provide the dynamism that United’s midfield currently lacks.
Meulensteen also expressed his surprise at Ten Hag’s decision not to utilize Lisandro Martinez in a midfield role alongside Mainoo. Martinez, who was a standout player for Argentina during their 2024 Copa America campaign, has been a key figure in United’s defense since his arrival from Ajax. While primarily a center-back, Martinez is versatile enough to play as a full-back or a holding midfielder.
Ten Hag has occasionally deployed Martinez in unconventional roles, such as when he played him as a makeshift left-back during the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. However, Meulensteen believes that Martinez’s tenacity and tactical intelligence make him an ideal candidate for a midfield role, especially in a partnership with Mainoo.
“You need a guy who has [a] combination of things,” Meulensteen said. “It’s maybe a stupid comment, but it has surprised me that Ten Hag has not yet used Martinez in that position and used another centre-half pairing. Martinez has got legs, he is so tenacious, he knows how important it is to hold your discipline, when to play, when to scan because I have seen him do it. That is what you need. That’s the type of player you need.”
With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will make additional signings to bolster United’s midfield. However, Meulensteen’s comments highlight the importance of finding the right balance in midfield as United aim to compete on multiple fronts this season. Whether through the acquisition of Ugarte or the tactical redeployment of Martinez, Ten Hag’s decisions in the coming weeks could have a significant impact on United’s fortunes.
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