Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make another key addition to their midfield as they continue to reshape the squad under manager Ruben Amorim.

According to Football Insider, the club have placed Bayern Munich starlet Aleksandar Pavlovic under close observation, with scouts regularly attending matches to assess his progress ahead of the January transfer window.

Amorim Backed for Long-Term Project

Despite a turbulent start to the season, United’s leadership remains confident in Amorim’s long-term vision.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly expressed support for the Portuguese manager, signalling that he could be given up to three years to fully implement his tactical structure and rebuild the team’s identity.

Club insiders have reportedly cited Arsenal’s patience with Mikel Arteta as a reference point for the kind of stability required to achieve lasting success.

This perspective has influenced United’s recruitment policy, encouraging a shift from short-term spending sprees toward sustainable, strategic investment in emerging talent.

Midfield Reinforcement a Priority

After an expensive summer outlay of approximately £220 million—bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha—United’s squad remains a work in progress.

Midfield balance has been a persistent issue, with the team lacking a true defensive anchor capable of shielding the backline while maintaining ball progression.

Ruben Amorim has reportedly made it clear that a dynamic midfielder is essential to improving both control and intensity in the middle of the park.

The scouting department has consequently compiled a shortlist of candidates across Europe, with Aleksandar Pavlovic standing out as a leading target.

Pavlovic Fits United’s Midfield Blueprint

Former United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, confirmed that Pavlovic’s name has emerged prominently in internal discussions.

“We know Amorim wants to sign a midfielder in January,” Brown said. “They need somebody who gets about the pitch, isn’t afraid to put their foot in, and has the drive and energy to make a difference all over the field.”

Brown further explained that United are also prioritising technical quality.

“They want someone who can keep possession and help them advance up the pitch because, at the moment, they’re relying heavily on Bruno Fernandes to dictate play.”

Pavlovic, just 20 years old, has quickly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising midfielders.

Known for his calmness under pressure and impressive passing range, the Bayern Munich academy graduate has been likened to Michael Carrick in his ability to control tempo.

Meanwhile, his defensive positioning and ball-winning instincts have shown notable improvement over the past year, drawing comparisons to players like Moises Caicedo.

A Measured Approach to January

United’s recruitment team see Pavlovic as a player who could balance flair with discipline in the centre of the pitch—a profile they have lacked since the departure of Nemanja Matić.

Whether Bayern are willing to sell remains to be seen, but the Red Devils’ growing interest suggests they are ready to make a serious approach if the opportunity arises.

As January nears, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see whether Amorim can secure the midfield reinforcement that could help restore control, energy, and consistency to a side still in the process of rediscovering its true identity.