Manchester United will no doubt be prioritising a new midfielder when the transfer window opens back up in 2026.
It was made very clear this summer that Ruben Amorim wanted an “athletic” midfielder added to his squad.
Unfortunately, Ineos chose to prioritise other areas, with three new forwards brought in alongside Diego Leon and new goalkeeper signing Senne Lammens.
United did enquire about Carlos Baleba, but Brighton insisted they were not looking to sell the midfielder until 2026.
The Red Devils did scour the market for alternative options, and there were links between United and Angelo Stiller. While nothing happened over the summer, it seems a future move cannot be ruled out.
Angelo Stiller stands with hands on his hips for Stuttgart.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Angelo Stiller ‘interested’ in Premier League move
United’s midfield is the only area that wasn’t strengthened over the summer, and with Casemiro set to leave next summer, it will definitely be a priority in 2026.
Stiller has been compared to Toni Kroos during his time in Germany, and it seems he was on United’s radar over the summer.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old midfielder has not ruled out making a move to England in the future.
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🚨👀 Angelo Stiller on his future: “I'm interested in moving abroad at some point”.
“I thought Florian Wirtz's decision to go to Liverpool was cool. But only one thing is certain for me: at the end of my career, I absolutely want to play in the USA”. pic.twitter.com/dENsjis3Cl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2025
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“I’m interested in moving abroad at some point,” Stiller said.
“I thought Florian Wirtz’s decision to go to Liverpool was cool. But only one thing is certain for me: at the end of my career, I absolutely want to play in the USA”.
Stiller pointed out Wirtz’s £116m move to Liverpool this summer as a “cool” move, and perhaps he could follow his compatriot to the Premier League in 2026.
Man United have two dream midfield targets for 2026
If United were going to sign a new midfielder this summer, Amorim wanted to make sure it was a direct upgrade on what is currently available to him.
Kobbie Mainoo was told he cannot leave despite asking to go on loan. Before adding any more midfielders to the pecking order, Amorim needs to find a way of getting him in the team.
But a long-term Casemiro replacement will be needed next summer, and Amorim clearly wants a mobile, athletic option.
United are willing to wait until 2026 for Baleba when Brighton could be more open to selling him, and he is certainly the dream target for the Red Devils.
READ MORE: Senne Lammens admits he idolised goalkeeper Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign ahead of David de Gea
But if the Baleba deal is still not on the cards, then United have shown interest in Adam Wharton.
Some reports have claimed United would love to sign Baleba and Wharton, but with both midfielders expected to cost around £100 million, it would be a huge investment for Ineos to make.