Five midfielders Manchester United should target in January 2025

Enzo Le Fée has been one of the standout players in Ligue 1 over the past year. Known for his creativity and exceptional passing ability, he has the vision to unlock stubborn defenses, something the Manchester club has struggled with in key matches—such as their frustrating draw against Newcastle earlier this season. The French professional’s technical skills and eye for a decisive pass could make him the playmaker the team needs to complement Bruno Fernandes and elevate their attacking options.

Manu Koné (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Manu Koné is an exciting box-to-box midfielder with a blend of defensive solidity and attacking prowess. His ability to win back possession and transition play quickly fits the high-tempo style often sought by top-tier managers. Koné would provide much-needed energy and physicality to a midfield that has occasionally been overrun in big games. At just 22, he’s a long-term prospect with immediate impact potential.

Khéphren Thuram (OGC Nice)

Standing tall at 6’3”, Khéphren Thuram combines physical dominance with excellent ball control and distribution, drawing comparisons to Patrick Vieira for his ability to dictate play from deep. His versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, making him a valuable asset for a squad that needs depth and adaptability. The midfielder’s performances in Ligue 1 have demonstrated his ability to control the game’s tempo, which could bring a calming yet commanding presence to the midfield.

João Palhinha (Fulham)

Already proven in the Premier League, João Palhinha is a defensive midfielder who excels in breaking up the opposition’s play, as evidenced by his league-leading tackles per game last season. His tackling and positional awareness would provide a solid shield in front of the defense, allowing more freedom for the attacking midfielders to thrive. The experience and consistency of Portuguese professional make him an ideal candidate to add stability to a sometimes erratic midfield.

Gabri Veiga (Al-Ahli)

Gabri Veiga, despite his surprising move to Saudi Arabia—a decision that shocked many given his breakout season at Celta Vigo—remains one of Europe’s most promising young midfield talents. His ability to score and assist from midfield adds an attacking dimension that could complement the Red Devils’ style of play. If the club can lure him back to Europe, his technical flair and creativity could be a game-changer in unlocking defenses during tight matches.

Final thoughts

Each of these midfielders brings a unique set of skills that could address the Red Devils’ current challenges. Whether it’s Le Fée’s creativity, Koné’s dynamism, Thuram’s versatility, Palhinha’s defensive acumen, or Veiga’s attacking flair, these players represent both immediate solutions and long-term investments.

With the right strategy in the January transfer window, the Old Trafford outfit can bolster their midfield and position themselves for success in the Premier League and beyond. Now, it’s up to the club’s decision-makers to seize the opportunity.