Full Breakdown
Manchester United’s Midfield Rebuild Stumbles in Fulham Draw
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: Ongoing Engine-Room Overhaul
Manchester United have spent successive transfer windows addressing single positions rather than building a balanced squad. Last summer the club signed Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans for £35 million, and in the most recent window added Chelsea-produced Andrey Santos for £50 million, though Santos has yet to feature. The club also brought in Carlos Baleba, who missed the opening months of the season with an ankle injury. United’s approach contrasts with rivals: Manchester City invested £300 million in three midfielders, while Arsenal added Bruno Guimarães for £75 million. The cumulative effect has left United short of depth and cohesion in the centre of the park.
Match Details and Statistics
In the Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage, Fulham took a 1-0 lead before United equalised via a “slapstick” own goal by Lisandro Martínez. A second equaliser came when Matheus Cunha’s shot struck David Affengruber and looped past goalkeeper Bernd Leno. United finished the game with five points from five matches and have already exited the Carabao Cup. Forward Marcus Rashford, who was listed for sale the previous season, started on the left but was substituted after a limited impact. Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch striker with five league goals since joining two years ago, was also introduced when United chased a winner.
Official Statements & Responses
Former United captain Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, criticised the team’s effort in the 15 minutes preceding Fulham’s goal, saying players “went through the motions” and failed to commit to tackles. Carrick also indicated that he expects Carlos Baleba to make his debut after the international break.
On-the-Ground Reports
Supporters at Craven Cottage noted Fulham’s superior fitness and transition play, with Alex Iwobi and Josh King repeatedly breaking through United’s midfield. United’s midfield, featuring Tielemans alongside younger players, struggled to match the energy and movement of Fulham’s central pairing of Sander Berge and Shea Charles.
Transfer Target: Ibrahim Maza
Outside the immediate match, United’s midfield planning includes monitoring 20-year-old Ibrahim Maza of Bayer Leverkusen. Maza, who joined Leverkusen in the summer of 2025, is under contract until 2030 and is reportedly valued at up to €70 million. Both Arsenal and Manchester United have been scouting the Algerian international, viewing him as a potential long-term addition to their creative midfield options.
What’s Next
Carrick’s short-term objective is to integrate Carlos Baleba into the starting lineup after the international break, hoping the returning midfielder can add the “oomph” United’s engine room currently lacks. The club’s transfer strategy will likely continue to focus on acquiring midfield talent, with Maza remaining a monitored prospect. Fan sentiment suggests that continued poor performances could intensify pressure on Carrick and the ownership to accelerate the rebuild.
