Manchester United's midfield overhaul is heating up, and a surprising name has entered the conversation—Granit Xhaka. But not everyone is convinced this is the right move for the Red Devils.

After securing Champions League football with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool, United's focus is shifting to the summer transfer window. That qualification is expected to give the club a significant financial boost, and strengthening the midfield is reportedly the top priority.

The urgency is clear. Casemiro confirmed in January that he'll leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte—who joined from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago—has struggled to find his footing and is likely to be sold. That leaves a leadership void in the middle of the park.

United have a long list of targets, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Ederson, and Morgan Gibbs-White. If funds allow, the club could make two or more additions this summer.

But on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, legendary United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel floated a wildcard option: Sunderland's Granit Xhaka.

"I think we should go and sign Xhaka," Schmeichel said, arguing that the Swiss international would bring exactly the experience and leadership United are losing with Casemiro's departure.

Paul Scholes, however, wasn't having it. "No, Pete. I have watched him, but you're probably in the same boat as Casemiro then, aren't you really?"

Schmeichel pushed back. "I make my case—what we are going to do is build the team around Kobbie [Mainoo], right. Now Casemiro is leaving. You bring in somebody like Wharton, Anderson… that's still young, that's still untried."

"What we need—and what we don't really have apart from Harry [Maguire] and Bruno [Fernandes] in that team—is proper leadership. When I look at what Xhaka's done for Sunderland, Xhaka is the reason they are where they are. He has been absolutely amazing, his leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 percent of the games."

With United's midfield rebuild taking shape, the debate between experienced leadership and young, untapped potential is one that will define their summer business. Whether Xhaka fits the bill or not, one thing is clear: the Red Devils need a strong presence in the middle of the pitch.