Manchester United are set to step up their attempts to revamp the midfield department in 2026, with Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams among the potential targets.
It is no secret that Manchester United need an overhaul in midfield.
Ruben Amorim has opted for a double pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, but both players face uncertain futures at Old Trafford.
United didn’t sign a single midfielder last summer, despite Christian Eriksen leaving the club at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. There was emphasis shown towards strengthening the attack with signings such as Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
United fans would argue that the midfield department needs similar investment, even though Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for game time and has yet to get a start in the Premier League.
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte has yet to prove why United spent £42 million to sign him from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.
This has led to constant speculation about United targeting midfielders in the new year, having failed to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton in the summer.
Tyler Adams playing against Man City
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
More United News
Jason Wilcox recommends Tyler Adams transfer
United have been linked with a number of Premier League midfielders.
That suggests Ineos are seeking players with Premier League experience, which is a similar approach to the one that saw them sign Mbeumo and Cunha in the summer.
United have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, but Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is believed to be the main target, while Man City are understood to be interested in both players.
In a new Give Me Sport newsletter from respected reporter Ben Jacobs, it is revealed that Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams has been put forward as a target by United’s Football Director, Jason Wilcox.
Jacobs also suggests that United want to sign two elite midfielders in 2026, with Adams drawing attention for his performances for Bournemouth as well as Leeds.
United face three away games in the next five over Christmas and the New Year
How many wins will we get from these matches?
Fixtures - 18/12
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
The United States international is admired for his energy and ability to win back possession.
Jacobs wrote: “Tyler Adams is one name on Manchester United’s list of midfielders. The club has more of a longlist than a shortlist right now, and that’s partly because they want two elite midfielders in 2026.
“Adams is appreciated not just for his energy and ball-winning skills but also because he’s viewed as a positive dressing room influence. Jason Wilcox is understood to have added his name to internal conversations.”
Adams started in United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday, but the midfield ace was forced off early with an injury.
Tyler Adams won Premier League award before injury
The diagnosis for the injury Adams suffered against United is a sprained left MCL, but it remains to be seen when the midfielder will return to action.
It comes at a bad time for Bournemouth because they won’t want to be without one of their star players for too long, especially when he has shown durability this term by playing 14 of their first 15 games of the season.
Tyler won the Premier League’s Goal of the Month in November for his 47-yard strike against high-flying Sunderland. He became the first American to win the award.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox