Manchester United have identified midfield as the next major area of investment under Ruben Amorim, and GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano has revealed the three names sitting on the club’s shortlist for 2026.
Speaking on Men in Blazers, Romano outlined United’s long-term planning, explained why January will be difficult, and confirmed which midfielder Amorim has placed “at the top” of his list.
It's understood Manchester United view 2026 as a key window for reshaping the squad, with several midfield contracts expiring and the club preparing for a generational refresh in the centre of the pitch.
Romano confirms Baleba, Anderson and Wharton all on shortlist
Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion pre-match warm-up
According to Romano, United’s priority remains Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who the club attempted to sign last summer. “If there is a player Man Utd put on top of their list, for sure it's Baleba,” he said. “Baleba is a player they absolutely love. Last summer they tried to make it happen… but it was impossible to negotiate with Brighton.”
Despite previous attempts, Baleba continues to be viewed as the ideal midfielder to bring both quality and intensity to Amorim’s system. Romano stressed that United are not focusing solely on Baleba. While the Brighton star is the No.1 option, Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are also “100 per cent” on the shortlist.
“I'm not saying the other two are not targets, they are targets as well,” he said. “For a top club like Man United, you need to be prepared for all situations.”
The trio forms the spine of United’s long-term recruitment plan for 2026, with Amorim pushing for midfield reinforcements that fit both the physical and technical demands of his rebuild. Baleba, however, remains the standout. “Baleba has always been seen as the top target for Ruben Amorim… he can bring quality, but also intensity, something that he really wants in the midfield.”
At this stage, United believe that none of the three players - Baleba, Anderson or Wharton - will be realistically available in the January window. Brighton, Newcastle and Palace are all unwilling to sell mid-season, meaning any major deal will likely have to wait until the summer.
United may consider January loan - but major midfield signing expected in 2026
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim staring.
With their top options unlikely to move in January, Romano says United could pivot toward “an opportunity” signing next month. That may involve a loan deal or a player who unexpectedly becomes available, allowing the club to remain competitive while holding off for a major investment in the summer.
Romano ended with a clear message about United’s plans: “What I can guarantee is that Man Utd will sign one or maybe two important midfielders in 2026.” The club view next summer as a crucial moment in the Amorim project, with midfield seen as the next phase of squad evolution.
United attempted to upgrade this area last summer and are now preparing to revisit those efforts - with Baleba firmly at the top of the list.
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