Manchester United have compiled a six-man shortlist of midfielders, with the intention of adding two to Ruben Amorim’s squad in 2026.
According to talkSPORT, the sextet consists of Adam Wharton, Andrey Santos, Angelo Stiller, Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher and Elliot Anderson. Amorim is said to be seeking more ‘pace and athleticism’ to have at his disposal.
Could United move for Conor Gallagher in the winter?
Of the group, one has been deemed a ‘more viable target’ to sign in January as opposed to the summer: Gallagher.
Latest on Manchester United’s midfield targets, with Conor Gallagher a viable January target.🔴
Story with @alex_crook.✍️https://t.co/DwrPYxioN6
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 23, 2025
The former Chelsea star, currently plying his trade with Atletico Madrid, is struggling to cement a starting spot under Diego Simeone this season, having started only twice in the opening nine La Liga matches.
United initially established their interest in Gallagher towards the end of August; they had a loan bid rejected by Atletico in the final week of the window, as the Spanish club would’ve only considered a permanent sale.
Gallagher will be well aware that, if he continues playing such a reduced role, his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad will be incredibly slim.
Reds among Elliot Anderson’s lengthy admirers list
Another player hoping to make the cut for the Three Lions next summer is Anderson, who’s quickly become one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe over the last year – even amidst Nottingham Forest’s calamitous form.
He has attracted a host of suitors in recent months, and the Red Devils are firmly among the mix – as are Newcastle United, for whom he’s a lifelong fan and academy graduate.
Anderson, hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by compatriot Reece James, is reportedly against the idea of jumping ship from the City Ground in two months’ time, but in the event they fail to replicate their scintillating form of last season and therefore fail to qualify for Europe again, you’d imagine he’d be looking to be on the move come the end of the term.
