Manchester United are facing a serious crisis this season. When the Red Devils finished third in the previous season, a lot was expected from team manager Michael Carrick, who had achieved the unthinkable in just five months of joining the club. However, things haven’t gone as per expectations. With their recent loss to Chelsea, Man United are placed 17th in the 2026-27 League table. Their position in the Champions League isn’t very promising either. If things don’t improve soon, the club might face a humiliating relegation for the first time since the Premier League was officially established in 1992. This is why the club management is now looking for reinforcements.
According to recent reports, the Red Devils are looking for an attacker and a midfielder. As per Metro, the Red Devils have shown interest in Fermin Lopez and Pablo Barrios, who play for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, respectively. Fermin Lopez is an attacking midfielder who is equally capable as a winger. On the other hand, his Spanish teammate Barrios is a central midfielder who is equally brilliant as a defensive midfielder. Apart from the above, the Red Devils are also looking out for a striker. They are monitoring the performance of Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the January transfer window. Calvert-Lewin currently plays for Leeds United, who are ironically placed 11th in the League table as of now.
🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United have ENQUIRED about Barcelona’s Fermín López and Atlético Madrid’s Pablo Barrios. #MUFC [@MatteMoretto] https://t.co/IwFV3uDKsw
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) October 30, 2026
The Red Devils look forward to securing Lopez as a suitable alternative for Bruno Fernandes. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was part of Spain’s U23 football team that won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Though he couldn’t make it to the World Cup-winning Spanish squad this year due to a foot fracture, Lopez is proving his mettle in La Liga. In the 10 La Liga matches played this season, the Spanish player has scored 5 goals and 5 assists. He wants to deliver another La Liga title for Barcelona this season.
Probably that is also the main reason why Barca are not ready to accept any offers for Lopez this season. As per Goal.com, the Spanish club has maintained that the 23-year-old attacking midfielder is not leaving Camp Nou, at least for this season. Besides, the Spanish player just signed a contract extension with Barcelona in early 2026, which allows him to play for the club till the summer of 2031. As such, chances of Man United landing a deal with Lopez seem unlikely.
Although Atletico Madrid has not made any official announcements, unlike Barcelona, they have signed a contract with Pablo Barrios, which extends till 2030. So if the Red Devils want to secure Barrios, they have to come up with an irresistible offer sooner rather than later.
Manchester United need some serious course correction right now. The defense completely collapsed in the second half against Chelsea. To make matters worse, Lautaro Martinez’s recklessness in the 63rd minute cost him a red card. Team manager Michael Carrick knows that the Red Devils cannot afford to repeat these mistakes. This is why the management are now searching for suitable reinforcements. If they manage to secure even one of the two shortlisted players, they can look forward to better results next year.
