Manchester United spent over £150 million to refurbish their midfield this summer after securing qualification for the Champions League. The Red Devils parted ways with Casemiro over the summer and were also keen to offload Manuel Ugarte before he ruptured his ACL at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the Uruguayan out for a while, INEOS turned to Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and to plug the gap in the middle of the park. The Belgian has already cemented his place in the team, starting all four games so far.
Meanwhile, Baleba is currently injured and he will also be pushing for a place in Michael Carrick’s team once he regains full fitness. With Kobbie Mainoo in so far and Santos and Mason Mount also in the mix, United’s midfield looks settled at the moment.
That, though, has not stopped them from being further linked with midfielders, especially younger players with a high ceiling Marc Bernal. However, it now appears that an English rival could pip them to the Barcelona prodigy’s signature.
Chelsea leading Bernal race
According to , Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of Marc Bernal. The report states: “Chelsea are monitoring Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal as a potential long-term replacement for Enzo Fernandez.”The report points out that Bernal’s future at Camp Nou has been thrown up in the air following Rodri’s arrival this summer. United are also monitoring the teenager, but Chelsea appear to be in the driving seat in the race.
The report continues: “Manchester United are also keeping tabs on Bernal but the player is more likely to join Chelsea if their current level of interest gathers pace.”
The is under contract with the Catalans until 2029.
Do United need Bernal?
Bernal rose through the ranks at Camp Nou and has already drawn with club legend Sergio Busquets due to a similar style of play. Gifted with the ball at his feet and with an intelligent mind, the Spaniard is a generational talent who has all the attributes to become one of the world’s best.Last season, Bernal registered five goals and one assist in 35 appearances across all competitions, helping Barcelona win the league. He also started the opening three LaLiga games of this campaign, before dropping down the pecking order upon Rodri’s arrival.
Marc Bernal Stats: 2025/26 Season
United’s interest in the 19 year old, as such, is understandable, but one does wonder whether he is really needed at Old Trafford. The Red Devils already have a young midfield metronome in , who has been going from strength to strength this year.Carrick also has Santos and Baleba in his arsenal, even though the latter is currently sidelined with injury. Nevertheless, both are young and have potential, with the Cameroonian also considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League not too long ago.
Final Thoughts
qualities make him one of the most exciting young midfielders in the world at the moment. However, United have the extremely talented Jim Thwaites knocking on the first-team door, so perhaps they should focus on other positions in 2027.The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment Overall credibility: 5/10Why?
✅ Marc Bernal has been on United’s wish list for a while. ⚠️ GIVEMESPORT not a very reliable outlet for United news. ⚠️ Midfield no longer a priority for United in 2027.
