Manchester United have been linked with a host of midfielders ahead of 2026, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba, but the former should be their priority ahead of the January transfer window.
Bringing in reinforcements in the middle of the park is likely to be one of United's priorities in the upcoming two transfer windows. In the summer, the Red Devils focused heavily on improving their options in the final third, with Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha arriving through the door.
Ruben Amorim's side also signed a new goalkeeper in Senne Lammens, with Andre Onana heading out on loan to Galatasaray. Up next could be the signing of a new midfielder, and it would make sense considering the profile of player they've been linked with over the last few weeks. Whether it's Wharton, Baleba, Anderson, or someone else, we could see a midfielder arrive through the door at Old Trafford in 2026.
Man Utd Must Target Elliot Anderson in 2026
Elliot Anderson
According to reports, Man Utd are eyeing a move to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe giving the green light to heavily back Amorim in the January transfer window. Anderson, who has been described as "phenomenal" after his performances for England of late, made the move to Forest for a fee of around £35m from Newcastle United last year.
United have also shown interest in both Baleba and Wharton this summer, but getting deals over the line for the midfield duo won't be easy. That's not to say a deal for Anderson won't be easy, but considering the uncertainty surrounding Forest at the moment, it could be an ideal time for United to pounce.
Forest recently sacked Nuno Espirito Santo to bring in Ange Postecoglou, but recent reports have claimed that they could sack the former Tottenham Hotspur manager, with Sean Dyche now the front-runner to take over. Anderson might not be keen on playing the style of football Dyche will likely implement, meaning he might be more likely to push for a departure than the likes of Wharton and Baleba, who both play for sides who are doing well in the Premier League this season.
It remains to be seen how much Anderson would cost in 2026, but with Thomas Tuchel preferring him over Wharton for England, he's clearly a highly-rated midfielder who is exactly what United need.