Manchester United transfer news: Ruben Amorim to sanction midfield exit to 'clear pathway' for summer addition

Manchester United have decided to send Toby Collyer out on loan in order to make room for a midfield addition, the latest report has claimed.

The Red Devils will hope that their pre-season tour of the United States can help the club prepare effectively for the upcoming campaign, though performances so far have been mixed.

United beat West Ham United 2-1 on Sunday but drew 0-0 with Leeds United on July 19, but it should be noted that summer signing Bryan Mbeumo is yet to feature for boss Ruben Amorim.

While many fans have argued that the team would be significantly boosted by the arrival of a midfielder, United may have to sanction the exit of a current midfielder before making an addition.

The Manchester Evening News reports that 21-year-old Collyer has been earmarked for a loan move despite his desire to stay at Old Trafford to fight for a starting spot.

Why do United need to sign a midfielder this summer transfer window?

Collyer is one of five midfield options at the club alongside Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, and he is arguably the most energetic of the group.

If the youngster was to depart, the Red Devils would lack athleticism in the middle of the pitch, which could leave Amorim's 3-4-3 system exposed to counter-attacks.

Physicality is an increasingly important factor for top sides when competing for major prizes, and it would be risky to rely on 33-year-old Casemiro, 30-year-old Fernandes and an inconsistent Ugarte.

Mainoo is capable of providing tenacity in midfield, though his technical skillset and forward-focused abilities are perhaps more suited to a box-to-box role in a three-man setup.

Who should Amorim look to target in midfield?

United have been tentatively linked to Atalanta BC's Ederson, and the Brazilian is physically imposing, with the 26-year-old sharing similarities to Arsenal's Declan Rice.

The Serie A star can at times struggle when asked to play out of an aggressive press, and he could encounter difficulties in the Premier League given the fast-paced nature of the division is often unforgiving.

United have made two major signings this summer - Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo - and both were arguably targeted due to their significant experience in the English top flight.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba has shown promise with the ball at his feet, and he is gifted athletically, though the Seagulls would likely prove to be tough negotiators.