Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is entering another phase, with the club abandoning one long-running target and considering several alternatives before the transfer window closes.Michael Carrick has already added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but United still want a third midfielder who can offer defensive strength, athleticism and the ability to carry the ball through pressure.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThat profile matters because the squad already contains players comfortable in possession.The missing piece is someone capable of protecting the defence, winning duels and driving the team forward.United appear determined to assess the market carefully rather than rush into another expensive deal.Man United rule out return for previous targetAccording to Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, Manchester United will not revive their pursuit of Ederson, while Roma midfielder Manu Koné is one of several players being assessed.“For Man Utd, the deal is 100% off and will not be recontacted, Atalanta or the player, in any case. On Manchester United midfield, I can confirm the appreciate for Manu Kone from Roma, but he’s not the only one. They’ve had contacts with the agents, but no bid to Roma, no club-to-club contact yet. Man Utd are assessing options.”Romano also explained the type of midfielder United want:“Now, it’s about picking the third midfielder. Defensive, physical, who can break the lines, who can be an important player in that sense. Manchester United are exploring the market.”More Stories / Latest News“I can confirm..” – Romano claims Man United have plans to sign ‘defensive’ midfielderJul 20 2026, 13:40‘One particularly big purchase’- Expert issues groundbreaking update on Man United plansJul 20 2026, 13:29Liverpool given last minute hope of signing top transfer target who recently rejected themJul 20 2026, 12:35Red Devils need to spend carefully in the marketThe update suggests United are being more selective than reports of an imminent deal may imply.The Guardian has also reported that Carrick admires Koné, Alex Scott and Eduardo Camavinga, although their asking prices could complicate any move.Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustKoné looks like a logical fit because of his power, ball-carrying and defensive energy, but United should avoid paying an inflated fee simply because the Ederson option has disappeared.Tielemans can control games, while Santos brings youth and technical quality; the next addition must complement them rather than duplicate their strengths.Widening the shortlist is sensible. The smartest signing will not necessarily be the most famous, but the midfielder who gives Carrick tactical flexibility and makes United harder to play through.Liverpool could beat Man United to Manu Koné as midfielder emerges as ideal fit The post “I can confirm..” – Romano claims Man United have plans to sign ‘defensive’ midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.