Manchester United’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha is the latest indication of INEOS’ determined efforts to build a younger, more athletic and tactically adaptable midfield core for the 2025/2026 season.
With Christian Eriksen’s departure and Sofyan Amrabat’s uncertain future, the club is actively seeking players who can slot into manager Rúben Amorim’s high-energy system and help drive United back to the top of English football.
According to German journalist Christian Falk, United have expressed a concrete interest in Nmecha, who has emerged as a standout performer at Dortmund following his move from Wolfsburg in 2023.
The 24-year-old, who was previously in the Manchester City youth system, has caught the eye with his athleticism, versatility, and technical qualities—attributes that would allow him to seamlessly transition into Amorim’s aggressive, press-oriented system at Old Trafford.
Nmecha has made 68 appearances across all competitions over the past two seasons for Dortmund, contributing eight goals and five assists despite missing part of the campaign due to a ligament injury.
Impressively, he still managed to achieve a 7.04 average rating on Sofascore, demonstrating his effectiveness in both offensive and defensive phases.
His recent goal in the expanded Club World Cup has only enhanced his reputation on the international stage, reinforcing why United view him as a key midfield target.
At 6’3″, Nmecha possesses the physical tools and stamina to operate as a box-to-box midfielder, an advanced playmaker, or even in a double pivot.
He’s known for his ability to carry the ball through midfield, his intelligent pressing, and his capacity to influence matches in high-tempo environments—all traits that match United’s new playing style under Amorim.
However, there’s a major roadblock: Borussia Dortmund are unwilling to sell. Having paid a significant fee of €30 million to secure Nmecha just a year ago, Dortmund see him as central to their long-term plans, especially with new manager Nuri Sahin hoping to build around a midfield trio featuring Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, and Nmecha.
The club is reportedly rejecting all approaches, determined to avoid another premature exit like those of Jude Bellingham or Jadon Sancho.
Despite this, United’s interest in Nmecha reflects INEOS’ evolving recruitment vision—prioritizing players who offer both tactical intelligence and physical robustness.
While attackers like Matheus Cunha and the soon-to-arrive Bryan Mbeumo offer excitement up front, Amorim’s system demands a midfield engine capable of breaking lines, winning duels, and maintaining high intensity.
If Dortmund maintain their hardline stance, United may be forced to consider alternative midfield options.
These include Youssouf Fofana of Monaco, Khephren Thuram of Nice (a club with close ties to INEOS), and Manu Koné of Borussia Mönchengladbach—all players with similar skill sets and age profiles.
Ultimately, Felix Nmecha may not be an immediately available target, but United’s pursuit of him underscores a wider strategic shift: assembling a youthful, press-resistant, and dynamic midfield core tailored to Amorim’s tactical blueprint.
Whether or not Dortmund budge, expect Manchester United to continue prioritizing midfield reinforcements this summer.
