Rúben Amorim is looking for at least one new midfielder in 2026, and Manchester United may have just watched the perfect example.
Manchester United are planning midfield reinforcements in 2026, although it remains unclear whether a signing will be made during the January window or in the summer.
Last year, Rúben Amorim and the club’s recruitment department identified Carlos Baleba as their preferred target, but Brighton’s £100 million valuation forced United to withdraw. Personal terms had already been agreed with the player, who was eager to complete the move.
United continue to show interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, while Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is still viewed internally as a potential option.
More recently, reports have suggested United are weighing up a January move for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes, with Wolves currently fighting to avoid relegation.
United saw exactly what they needed on Sunday
United’s second-half comeback victory over Crystal Palace could prove to be a defining moment of their season. After a poor first-half display, Amorim’s Reds fought back from a goal down to secure all three points with what was one of their most impressive 45 minutes of the campaign.
However, another who shone, particularly in the first half, was Wharton. According to The Athletic, the “elegant” midfielder is high on United’s list of possible midfield targets, and is under “consideration” for a summer swoop.
Furthermore, The Athletic reports that the England international’s through ball just before Jean-Philippe Mateta won his first-half penalty was exactly what Amorim is looking for this summer.
It’s stated that the club want to sign a midfielder who can be a “dynamic presence” in the middle of the park – one who is capable of both winning possession and getting the ball moving forwards, much like Casemiro during his debut season in 2022/23.
Ugarte could be in line for summer exit
Midfield is also expected to be an area of significant change at Old Trafford in the coming months, with one outgoing player pretty much guaranteed.
Read More: Manchester United ‘to make an offer within weeks’ for £53m wonderkid centre-back, he’d fit Rúben Amorim’s system
Casemiro’s contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign with no confirmation on whether he will be offered a new deal as of yet, while The Athletic also note that Manuel Ugarte could also be on his way out.
After playing 45 times during his debut campaign last season, Ugarte has started just one Premier League tie for United this season, a 3-1 loss against Brentford, and is firmly behind even Kobbie Mainoo, who has his own game-time problems, in the pecking order.
Amorim recently admitted he feels Ugarte is struggling with being at United, and if the Uruguayan international cannot pick up form and break back into the starting team, he may find himself on the way out next summer.
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