Life was peaceful for INEOS before Monday. It has been almost a month since Manchester United were in action and the verdict seemed to be leaning towards a permanent gig for Michael Carrick. And then the noise came rushing back courtesy of their biggest rivals.
Those at Old Trafford, three weeks since they last saw their side in action, were handed a humiliating reality check by Leeds United, who secured their first away victory against Man United in 45 years.
The Whites created history and Red Devils received a timely reminder that they’ve still got plenty of work to do, starting with their midfield.
INEOS readying midfield revamp for Man Utd
Last season, it was Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo who arrived as an attacking rebuild. This summer, it could be Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson or others who arrive to solve Man United’s midfield problems.
All it took was one injury to Kobbie Mainoo to expose United’s depth, or the lack of it, as Manuel Ugarte stepped back into the side before struggling to revive his Old Trafford career as predicted.
The South American’s performance stamped home just how important the likes of Anderson could be this season. As much as Ugarte is perfectly capable out of possession, the Nottingham Forest midfielder ticks that box and then some all whilst progressing play in possession.
|
Most passes in the Premier League 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) |
2,400 |
|
Lewis Dunk (Brighton) |
2,216 |
|
Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea) |
2,109 |
|
Joachim Anderson (Fulham) |
2,079 |
|
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton) |
2,048 |
|
Elliot Anderson (Forest) |
2,046 |
No midfielder has completed more passes than Anderson in the Premier League this season. He is a throwback midfielder who collects the ball from deep and dictates play, rather than allowing central defenders to assume that role.
It’s not just passing for passing’s sake, either. Only six players have created more than Anderson’s 51 chances in the Premier League this season. He is the most complete midfielder that English football has to offer.
But Man United aren’t the only side aware of his qualities and there lies their biggest problem. When the summer arrives, it’s likely that Manchester City and others also come sniffing around the Englishman’s signature, potentially leaving those at Old Trafford to look elsewhere.
Man Utd could sign their new Pogba
This is where their plan B should come into play and according to reports, they have done.
Indeed, as per AS, INEOS have made contact to sign Richard Rios from Benfica this summer, registering their interest with the Portuguese side just 12 months after he completed a move to the Portuguese club.
He signed a contract with a release clause worth £87m, a pricey fee to pay but potentially cheaper than the likes of Tonali and Anderson and it could well be worth it for a player who is rather similar to Paul Pogba.
A lot is made of Pogba’s time at Man United. Some English football legends will be quick to point out that he was a large part of the Red Devils’ downfall. Others will be even quicker to point out how dramatic that narrative always was.
In 2026, the Frenchman’s profile would thrive alongside Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo in Man United’s midfield. His ability to progress play single-handedly mirrors that of Ryan Gravenberch’s at Liverpool and even those at Old Trafford cannot deny how successful the latter has been.
It’s a trait that Man United’s midfield is lacking and with Pogba’s best days and any relationship with Man United, for that matter, long gone, turning to Rios is not a bad idea.
|
League stats P90 |
Pogba 18/19 |
Rios 25/26 |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,009 |
1,920 |
|
Passes |
51.24 |
40.97 |
|
Big chances created |
0.21 |
0.19 |
|
Recoveries |
6.52 |
3.94 |
|
Dribble success |
65.2% |
71% |
Compared to Pogba in his most successful season, Rios’ numbers are certainly impressive. Whilst he tends to complete fewer passes than the Frenchman did, the Benfica man enjoys excellent dribble success – highlighting how he can carry possession from midfield as the former United star.
Crucially, the Colombian is far from one-dimensional in the middle of the park – a complaint which can be aimed towards the struggling Ugarte.
As far as Anderson alternatives go, Rios could emerge as a shock, leading candidate this summer.
He wants to join: Man Utd have held talks to sign their own Morgan Rogers
Manchester United could be targeting an alternative to Morgan Rogers this summer.
