Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a six-man midfielder shortlist as they look to bolster their engine room, with the Red Devils open to adding two new midfielders in 2026. Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, writing for talkSPORT, have listed the six names they have on their shortlist between now and the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Amorim – regarded as one of the best young managers in world football – and his entourage are looking to add a combination of pace and athleticism to their midfield, according to the report. At the time of writing, Manuel Ugarte is not cutting it at Old Trafford, while the future of Kobbie Mainoo, despite his evident talent, is uncertain.
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Academy graduate Mainoo, either permanently or on a temporary basis, could soon be out the door; as could skipper Bruno Fernandes, who is of interest to a handful of clubs in the Saudi Pro League. The seasoned Casemiro, too, could be sold in the summer of 2026 as his contract reaches its expiration date. As a result, United are on the hunt for new additions.
Ruben Amorim's Man Utd Draw Up Six-Man Midfielder List for 2026
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Brighton & Hove Albion and Cameroon lynchpin Carlos Baleba remains a target for the Old Trafford outfit. Fabian Hurzeler and Co, however, have ruled out a January sale – but the 21-year-old could be on the move in the summer. As things stand, his contract on the coast runs out in 2028, and he would cost any would-be buyer – United included – a pretty penny.
Amid interest in his signature in the summer, Amorim's side were not quoted any price over the summer. They are aware of the list of clubs that will be willing to fight for his services.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, over the last couple of months, has earned the trust of Thomas Tuchel and his staff. Born in Newcastle, the box-to-box star is among those appreciated by United boardroom bosses but no talks have taken place as yet. What could prevent Anderson leaving the City Ground is his reluctance to move in the year leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
Another midfielder that has played himself into England contention for the international showpiece next year is Adam Wharton, who has also earned interest from the likes of Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs. He could soon extend his stay at Crystal Palace, but he also has the desire to play in the Champions League in the near future.
A name that perhaps goes under the radar, Angelo Stiller has made a name for himself at the heart of VfB Stuttgart. A fantastic passer of the ball, the five-cap Germany international – who has a £35 million in his current contract – is said to be tempted by a move to the Premier League. GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has revealed that United are closely monitoring the 24-year-old.
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Formerly of Chelsea, the all-action Conor Gallagher could return to England's top flight and, of those mentioned, he could be the most attainable of the bunch. According to the report, the Red Devils made a loan approach for the Atletico Madrid midfielder in the summer – but the Spanish outfit were only willing to entertain a permanent departure.
Used sporadically by Diego Simeone's side, Gallagher is yet to start and finish a La Liga encounter this season and Atletico have slapped a £35 million price tag on his head as they brace themselves for approaches in the summer.
Lastly, Chelsea's Andrey Santos is also on the radar of Amorim and his entourage. Still just 21 years of age, Santos – born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – is far from being at the top of Enzo Maresca's pecking order in west London. In fact, he was included in early discussions in the summer when Alejandro Garnacho moved to Stamford Bridge.
Nothing could be agreed for the Brazilian at that point, but he's remained on the Old Trafford club's radar. Chelsea are unwilling to budge on their stance that Santos is not for sale, but the youngster is open to evaluating his potential options in the summer. Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich and Al-Qasidah are reported to also be in the running for his signature.