Manchester United have made enquiries for Pablo Barrios and Fermín López as they look to solve their midfield issues.

Michael Carrick’s side have, reportedly, sounded out both midfielders about a possible move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United spent big on their midfield this summer as part of their planned three-part rebuilding of the team.

After reports initially linked them to the likes of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United instead took another approach. They ended the summer spending €76m on Carlos Baleba, €56m on Andrey Santos and €41m on Youri Tielemans.

So far, none of those three arrivals have made the difference to Manchester United’s midfield that they were hoping.

Instead, questions remain about the structure of the team in that department, and how they can be integrated alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

More signings?

Fans and journalists alike believe that extra signings are needed. And journalist Matteo Moretto reports that work is already underway on that front.

He recently appeared on Radio Marca’s La Pizarra programme and revealed that Manchester United had made inquiries.

“There is a Premier League club—Manchester United—that has many issues to address and is looking for a type of midfielder with the same characteristics as Barrios and Fermín,” he said.

“They have inquired about both; there are no negotiations, simply an initial sounding out.

“It is highly unlikely that either will leave. Pablo Barrios is an indispensable player for Atlético. And Fermín is a key figure for Barça. But United is indeed looking for players with that kind of profile.”

Manchester United meetings

The journalist even reported that Manchester United took advantage of their recent trip to Madrid – to take on Atletico in the Champions League – to hold meetings about signings.

“When they came to Madrid to play in the Champions League, they took the opportunity to hold a number of meetings,” he added.

They may enjoy a better chance of convincing Barcelona into a sale. Moretto reports that the Catalans need sales, perhaps as early as January.

“Between January and the summer, Barça will almost certainly listen to offers for some of their regular starters. Koundé is a candidate to leave,” he concluded.