Manchester United have identified what they need to strengthen Ruben Amorim's squad in 2026, and they are ready to spend to sort it.
The summer transfer window saw the club spend in excess of £200m to address the attack, adding Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens was also brought in to replace Andre Onana too.
The Red Devils have seen an improvement as a result, sitting in 7th place in the Premier League after their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend, but INEOS are still keen to strengthen further and have identified the midfield as a problem area.
Man Utd Eye Record-Breaking Midfield Transfer
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion pre-match warm-up
Man United were keen to sign a new midfielder in the summer, and held talks with Brighton and representatives of Carlos Baleba, before deciding to wait until the new year rather than splashing out a big fee at the time.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson have now emerged as top contenders for the midfield role, and talkSPORT reports that Man Utd would be willing to break their transfer record to get the right player in.
United would be willing to break their record, which is currently set at £89m for Paul Pogba, for any of the three midfielders, but it's yet to be decided if they will move in January or wait until the summer.
Several stars are likely to move on in 2026 too, with doubts over the future of Kobbie Mainoo, while Casemiro is out of contract, Manuel Ugarte is out of favour and Bruno Fernandes has mega interest from the likes of Saudi Arabia - as well as a release clause for clubs outside of the Premier League.
New Midfield Legs Essential for Amorim
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim walking before Crystal Palace vs Man Utd.
Premier League - Crystal Palace v Manchester United - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - November 30, 2025 Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim before the match Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
The midfield has been a major issue for the Red Devils under Amorim, which has seen the Portuguese coach forced to adapt his 3-4-3 system to a more low-block.
But Casemiro's wages are a big problem for the club, and unless he agrees to a pay cut on any extension, then he is likely to leave. Ugarte, on the other hand, was expected to rediscover his best form under Amorim at Old Trafford, having worked together at Sporting CP previously, but the Uruguayan has struggled massively and could be moved on.
There are also concerns around Mainoo's compatibility with Amorim's system, with the coach suggesting that he may not have the fitness to play in central midfield, and being way down the pecking order as a number ten. That could also see him moved on, which would increase the need for a new central midfielder at Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim walking before Crystal Palace vs Man Utd. Related
Man Utd Enter Talks to Sign 'Incredible' £53m Defender for Amorim
Manchester United are battling Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign the 17-year-old defender.