The summer of 2026 will see Manchester United look to overhaul the midfield, and already, lots of potential signings have been linked to the Red Devils.
During the transfer window over the summer of 2025, Ruben Amorim got most of his demands, with the attack overhauled at Manchester United.
However, Amorim also wanted United to sign a midfielder, but budgetary constraints meant this wasn’t possible.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
Now, ahead of the 2026 transfer windows, countless options are being considered. United in Focus have ranked all 17 of the main names linked have now been ranked from most suitable to least.
Elliot Anderson warming up for Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Leading the pile is United’s rumoured top target, Elliot Anderson, and the Nottingham Forest star is also the leading candidate in our eyes.
Anderson has all the qualities to be United’s Declan Rice and he could be available for cheaper than the rumoured £100m.
In second place is Ayyoub Bouaddi, the wonderkid midfielder currently breaking through at Lille, who looks destined to be a world-class midfielder.
More United News
United have been plotting a move for Bouaddi in 2026, although getting his signature will be tough due to his wonderkid status.
Adam Wharton is another midfielder United are likely to consider making a move to sign, with his Crystal Palace form very exciting.
Wharton has earned Roy Keane approval this season, and despite common belief, he is unlikely to break the bank. Reports claim Wharton has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Palace for £65m, a figure that is very reasonable.
In the summer, United made moves to sign Carlos Baleba before ultimately deciding that he would be too costly after an already near £200m window.
Baleba has had a disastrous season at Brighton, and he will have dropped down the pecking order, but the quality is still there, and he just needs to grow mentally and not be so swayed by rumours.
5. Joao Gomes
One slightly less expensive option is Wolves’ Joao Gomes, who still has plenty of Premier League experience.
Joao Gomes close up image in Wolves training kit.
Photo by Brett Patzke – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
United are looking at Gomes, having held long-term interest in the Brazilian and with Old Gold set for relegation, he could be available for cheap.
While Premier League experience is a key factor for United in signing a midfielder, Angelo Stiller remains an option.
Jason Wilcox is a big fan of Stiller, and if the expensive top targets don’t become available, United could turn to the German.
7. Alex Scott
One name relatively new on the list for United is Bournemouth’s star midfielder Alex Scott, who is undoubtedly on the rise, getting better and better.
United are considering Scott as he continues to impress, potentially a cheaper option for Ineos, and his signing could be made more likely by adding Antoine Semenyo.
8. Kees Smit
Similar to Scott, Kees Smit is a new name on the list as the Dutch wonderkid looks like he will fulfil his potential.
Netherlands U19s midfielder Kees Smit poses with his award.
Photo by Harry Murphy – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Smit is considered the next Frenkie de Jong, and he would be a big improvement on the current crop of midfielders, potentially a game-changing signing who could be much higher in this list by June.
One option for United is a familiar name in the form of James Garner, who was sold to Everton for £9m in 2022.
Now, United are looking into re-signing Garner as his contract looks like it could be about to expire. Even if Everton triggers a year extension, United could still come in to sign Garner for cheap.
Rounding out the top 10 options for United is Morten Hjulmand.
Amorim knows Hjulmand very well, and the Dane could be a big improvement in the midfield for United, offering on-the-ball quality, defensive security and athleticism. One question mark will be suitable for the Premier League.
11. Aleksandar Pavlovic
Aleksandar Pavlovic has had United scouts watching him this season, and there is no shock due to his clear quality. However, Pavlovic has question marks over his injury record at such a young age.
Pavlovic has bags of potential, although if Bayern Munich are willing to let him go, there should be hesitation over this and the reason why.
12. Victor Froholdt
In terms of right now, Porto and Denmark star Victor Froholdt is not a top target, at least in terms of being considered ready to start for United.
However, United are interested in Froholdt, which could be more with an eye on bolstering the squad depth. He’s a big talent and just needs further development.
Despite Conor Gallagher being the most likely January signing, he isn’t ideal in terms of his abilities and what Amorim wants in midfield.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Gallagher on loan in January is a decent move, but Ineos can not commit to spending big on the Atletico Madrid star.
14. Christos Mouzakitis
Greek wonderkid Christos Mouzakitis is another younger option being considered by United, as recent reports have stated.
Mouzakitis has been on United’s radar for months, and his ability is very impressive, although he probably wouldn’t be an immediate fix for United’s issues.
15. Jorthy Mokio
Another young option, United are keen on Jorthy Mokio; however, this would also be a move for the future, as he isn’t currently Premier League-ready.
Mokio has potential to be excellent; however, he would probably be more of a cherry on the cake signing than the cake itself.
16. Yehor Yarmolyuk
United are in the race to sign Yehor Yarmolyuk from Brentford, as he has developed into a pretty good midfielder.
While solid, it would be an underwhelming signing for United, considering some of the dynamic options elsewhere on the list.
17. Breno Bidon
United have been linked with Corinthians’ Breno Bidon, and while he could be a cheap and low-risk high-reward signing, the likelihood of him succeeding seems slim.
Bidon is relatively unproven, and it would be a massive leap for a player already into his 20s with lots of development still needed.