Manchester United are already laying out transfer plans for 2026, where their focus is likely to be on the midfield.
The Premier League giants invested heavily in their attack this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign in front of goal.
Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo were all brought in to form a new-look frontline.
Meanwhile, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir’s struggles prompted the club to invest in Senne Lammens on transfer deadline day. Diego Leon joined Ruben Amorim’s roster to add more cover to the left wing-back position.
Interestingly, a new midfielder was also on the Portuguese head coach’s agenda, but a move didn’t materialise for various reasons.
United need a midfield revamp
United shifted from a 4-3-3 formation to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system in midseason, and have tried to address the gaps in the squad over the summer.
One of the major issues at the club is the absence of players suited for the midfield pivot. Casemiro is well past his prime, while some argue that Bruno Fernandes looks like a square peg in a round hole in the position.
Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have failed to convince as well, with the former’s future also uncertain at the moment.
United explored the possibilities of a deal for Carlos Baleba this summer, but their approach was rebuffed by Brighton & Hove Albion. Interestingly, the Cameroonian is exactly the profile of player that Amorim lacks in the squad.
Now, according to TEAMtalk, the Red Devils are planning to sign two midfielders in 2026, one in January and one in the summer, to bolster the middle of the park.
Amorim would like to sign Baleba in January
United would ideally like to sign Baleba at the turn of the year, but are aware that prising him away from the Amex in mid-season is next to impossible.
As such, the Red Devils have apparently identified Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as an alternative for the job. The 22 year old was an indispensable figure under Nuno Espirito Santo last season, registering two goals and six assists from 42 games across competitions.
It is clear that securing Anderson’s services won’t be easy. However, with the West Bridgford club parting ways with the Portuguese manager this month, United are sniffing out an opportunity.
The Red Devils plan to keep a close watch on the situation at the City Ground, with a view to moving for the Englishman in the winter.
Anderson is well suited to the pivot role and has the attributes to become the best in the position in the future.
United, though, remain interested in Baleba as well. The Premier League giants are likely to return for the Cameroonian next summer, as they plan for a complete overhaul of the midfield before the start of the next season.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
