Amorim says Man Utd 'lack control in midfield' amid Paul Pogba link

Ruben Amorim has pinpointed midfield as Manchester United’s Achilles’ heel following a frustrating 2-2 draw against Fulham on March 2, 2025.

The Portuguese manager, who took charge in November 2024, didn’t mince words when assessing his squad after their latest Premier League outing at Old Trafford.

Despite goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, United’s failure to hold a 2-0 lead exposed familiar frailties, leaving them eighth in the table with 15 games played.

Amorim, speaking post-match, identified the absence of a commanding defensive midfielder as the team’s critical flaw. “We need more control in the middle,” he told reporters, subtly critiquing the current options.

Casemiro, now 32, has struggled to replicate his Real Madrid form, with his mobility waning, while youngster Kobbie Mainoo, though promising, lacks the experience to anchor the side alone. Christian Eriksen’s attacking flair, meanwhile, doesn’t suit the gritty role Amorim’s 3-4-3 system demands.

The manager’s comments come amid speculation over United’s transfer plans, with fans and pundits linking the club to a potential reunion with Paul Pogba.

The free agent, eligible to return in March 2025 after a reduced doping ban, could offer the physicality and presence Amorim craves. However, the boss remained tight-lipped on specifics, saying, “I won’t name names, but we know where we need to improve.”

United’s performance against Fulham underscored Amorim’s concerns. After racing to a two-goal lead, they crumbled under pressure, conceding to Alex Iwobi and a stoppage-time equalizer from Andreas Pereira.

“We lost control after 60 minutes,” Amorim admitted, frustrated by his team’s inability to dictate the game’s tempo. Since his arrival, he’s won five of 15 matches across all competitions, a record that hints at progress but highlights the scale of the rebuild.

With the January window looming, Amorim’s assessment could push United to act decisively. A new midfielder—whether Pogba or another target—seems essential to stabilize the squad and align it with his vision. For now, United’s midfield remains a work in progress, and Amorim’s blunt diagnosis signals change is on the horizon.