In the latest 12BSports transfer assessment, Manchester United’s next priority after signing Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta is a new midfielder rather than another centre-back. Hojlund is Erik ten Hag’s third signing of the summer, but the manager does not intend to stop there and wants another midfield addition completed as quickly as possible. As the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way, and United are continuing to push ahead with their plans. Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat has therefore emerged as the leading target. The 26-year-old Morocco international impressed at last year’s World Cup and is known for his physical strength, defensive discipline, and ability to protect the space in front of the back line.

Amrabat is viewed as a player who could inject fresh energy into United’s midfield and provide reliable cover for Casemiro. He played a central role as Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal, while also establishing himself as a regular starter for Fiorentina. However, United have yet to submit an official offer, and Juventus are also showing serious interest. After missing out on Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Franck Kessie, the Serie A club are eager to strengthen their midfield, while Amrabat himself would not be opposed to remaining in Italy.

Although Amrabat previously rejected approaches from West Ham United and a Saudi club, Juventus remain an attractive European destination. With time waiting for no one, United are simultaneously working on several possible midfield departures. Real Sociedad want to sign 26-year-old Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek on loan, while Fulham are continuing talks over a move for Fred. Negotiations are also ongoing regarding goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s proposed transfer to Nottingham Forest, as United attempt to create both space and financial flexibility within the squad.

United and Forest have already reached broad agreement on many parts of a loan deal that would include an option to buy. According to details included in 12BSports transfer coverage, the final issue concerns the number of appearances required to activate the purchase clause. Personal terms are not considered a problem for either side, so there is growing confidence that the move can be completed. United are also considering defensive reinforcements, particularly with Harry Maguire moving closer to joining West Ham. Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, and Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard are all among the players being monitored as possible replacements.

Maguire was only United’s fourth or even fifth-choice centre-back last season, meaning his departure would not immediately remove a regular starter from Ten Hag’s preferred lineup. The situation may look uncertain in the short term, but every cloud has a silver lining, and the club could benefit by delaying a major defensive purchase until the right opportunity becomes available. Rather than rushing into an expensive deal, United can focus their immediate resources on strengthening midfield, where greater depth and competition may be more urgently required.

Within the final 12BSports assessment, Ten Hag would effectively be losing a backup defender rather than a core member of his starting team. Even in the worst-case scenario, United could hand experienced centre-back Jonny Evans a one-year contract and postpone the search for a long-term replacement until next summer. That approach would allow the club to manage the transition without creating a major weakness, while giving the recruitment team more time to identify the right defender. For now, securing a midfielder capable of supporting and eventually succeeding Casemiro appears to be the more pressing objective.