We are not going for Mbeumo or Ekitike anymore, we have found our perfect replacement in the Bundesliga” – This is according to Ruben Amorium as he reveals Manchester United have recently turned their attention to ‘outstanding’ former Manchester City talent that has been performing tremendously well in the ongoing Club World cup.
INEOS recognize that bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo alone won’t be enough for Ruben Amorim to genuinely challenge the Premier League’s elite in the 2025/2026 season.
Consequently, Manchester United remain active in the transfer market, with several high-profile names linked as possible targets once Mbeumo’s signing is finalized.
While Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike have often been mentioned as potential additions, a new candidate has now surfaced.
Manchester United eye Bundesliga talent Felix Nmecha
According to German football journalist Christian Falk, United are now considering a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha.
The 24-year-old, who came through Manchester City’s academy, is on INEOS’ radar as they assess options to strengthen the midfield, especially after Christian Eriksen’s departure at the end of the 2024/2025 campaign.
Nmecha joined Dortmund from Wolfsburg in 2023 and has become a key part of their squad, making 68 appearances over two seasons with eight goals and five assists to his name.
Why United want Nmecha — and why Dortmund won’t sell
Despite missing a month last season due to a ligament injury, Nmecha still earned a solid 7.04 rating on Sofascore. He is currently competing in the first-ever 32-team Club World Cup in the U.S., where he recently scored in a dramatic 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns.
Former Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin has described him as an “exceptional” player, which explains why the German club are so determined to keep him.
Falk explained:
However, Falk added that Dortmund are strongly opposed to letting Nmecha leave and are not entertaining any offers at this stage.
Manchester United’s growing interest in **Felix Nmecha** signals that INEOS is committed to **building a more dynamic and modern midfield core**—especially following the exits of Christian Eriksen and likely Sofyan Amrabat.
Here’s a breakdown of the **latest on Nmecha** and what it could mean for United’s 2025/26 plans:
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### 🔍 **Why United Want Felix Nmecha**
1. **Profile Fit:**
* Age: 24 — fits INEOS’ youth-focused recruitment model.
* 6’3″ frame with elite athleticism and versatility: can operate as a box-to-box, No. 8, or advanced central midfielder.
* Good ball progression metrics and defensive contributions; can press and carry, similar to what Erik ten Hag previously sought in Frenkie de Jong.
2. **Stats (Last 2 Seasons at Dortmund):**
* 68 appearances, 8 goals, 5 assists.
* Sofascore 7.04 rating despite injury interruptions.
* Particularly effective in high-transition games—fits well into Ruben Amorim’s **aggressive press-and-counter** model.
3. **Proven in Big Games:**
* Performed well in Bundesliga and Europe.
* Recently scored in the Club World Cup, showing resilience and form on the global stage.
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### 🟨 **Why Dortmund Won’t Sell (For Now)**
* **Dortmund’s stance is firm**: Nmecha is **not for sale**—especially after a strong finish to last season and a good showing at the Club World Cup.
* He’s seen as a **core piece of the midfield rebuild** under Nuri Sahin, alongside Marcel Sabitzer and Emre Can.
* Dortmund invested heavily in Nmecha in 2023 (€30m from Wolfsburg), and they **want to avoid another early departure** like Jude Bellingham or Jadon Sancho.
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### 🧠 INEOS’ Strategy Behind the Scenes:
* United’s move for Nmecha shows INEOS want more than just flash; they want **cohesive, well-rounded players** to support Ruben Amorim’s tactical identity.
* **Mbeumo and Cunha**, while exciting up front, need midfielders who can **break lines and press intelligently**.
* Nmecha would offer a more physical and dynamic option than Kobbie Mainoo or Joao Neves (should he arrive), providing Amorim with tactical flexibility.
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### ❗ Other Targets to Watch If Nmecha Is Off-Limits:
If Dortmund remain firm, United may pivot to similar midfield profiles:
* **Youssouf Fofana** (AS Monaco) – excellent ball-winning and distribution.
* **Khephren Thuram** (Nice) – strong INEOS connection, fits the athletic profile.
* **Manu Koné** (Gladbach) – previously scouted, versatile and aggressive.
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### ⚽ Final Thought:
Felix Nmecha might not be **immediately attainable**, but United’s interest is part of a **broader pattern**: build around young, technically sound, and press-resistant midfielders. With Christian Eriksen gone and Amorim pushing for a dynamic system, the midfield rebuild is **far from over**—and Nmecha is a name to watch if Dortmund’s position softens.
Would you like a **comparison between Nmecha and Joao Neves** or perhaps a look at **how Nmecha would fit tactically under Ruben Amorim**?
