Ruben Amorim has made a three-man shortlist for Manchester United as the Red Devils boss turns his rebuild attention to the middle of the park
18:31, 21 Nov 2025Updated 18:45, 21 Nov 2025
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday October 4, 2025.
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Ruben Amorim is looking to rebuild his midfield
Ruben Amorim has made a three-man shortlist as he looks to "fix his midfield".
The Red Devils are on a march back up the Premier League table, despite suffering a small stumble against Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the November international break.
And keen to continue their upwards momentum, Amorim has produced a three man shortlist of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba if the Red Devils are to address their midfielders during the January transfer window.
Baleba was strongly linked in the summer, while Wharton and Anderson continue to impress for Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
According to The Sun, United's midfield is regarded as the priority as part of the next phase of their rebuild under Amorim having splashed the cash in the summer.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Crystal Palace FC and AEK Larnaca FC at Selhurst Park on October 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Adam Wharton has been linked to the Red Devils(Image: Getty)
United spent more than £200m over the summer to bring in Mbeumo, Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens. Amorim also sanctioned the purchase of Patrick Dorgu last season.
However, they are now turning their attention to the midfielder, with Casemiro likely to be released unless he accepts a salary reduction on a new contract.
Casemiro, who will turn 34 shortly after the end of the transfer window, is in the final months of his contract and could leave the club for free next summer.
Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 08, 2025 in London, England.
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Man Utd have been on upwards march
The report adds that United will not trigger the one-year extension in Casemiro’s deal as the Brazil international is one of only three players who earns in excess of £300,000-a-week.
United will also look to cut costs by axing Jadon Sancho, who earns £250,000-per-week, and moving on unwanted left back Tyrell Malacia, who is also out of contract in the summer.
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More money will be made when Rasmus Hojlund turns his loan move permanent - where United are due to receive £38m.
And Barcelona, who are already covering his wages, have the option to buy Marcus Rashford for £30m.