Manchester United focused on new forwards in the summer of 2025 but another position could be their priority this time around
Nottingham Forest's Scottish midfielder #08 Elliot Anderson fouls Crystal Palace's English midfielder #20 Adam Wharton during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park in south London on August 24, 2025. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest's Scottish midfielder #08 Elliot Anderson fouls Crystal Palace's English midfielder #20 Adam Wharton during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park in south London on August 24, 2025. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
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During the last summer transfer window, Manchester United determined that revitalising the attacking line represented a more pressing priority than bolstering the midfield. This summer, however, they could well revisit some prospects after waiting an extra 12 months to see how they have developed.
An absence of European competition and a spell of rejuvenation from Casemiro has enabled United to manage perfectly adequately without further midfield reinforcement. A top-four finish remains a distinct possibility but the Brazilian is departing and a fresh starting midfielder will seem essential - while United might even need two new additions in the area if they have extra football to play next term.
Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott and Adam Wharton were all mentioned as potential signings last summer, with no transfer materialising for any of the quartet for various reasons. All four have remained at their clubs and got another Premier League season under their belts.
Elliot Anderson
Anderson has stood firm in the face of considerable upheaval at club level this campaign. Nottingham Forest are now on their fourth permanent boss of the season - a Premier League record - yet he has succeeded in looking superb within a struggling outfit.
The former Newcastle prospect has also cemented his status on the international stage, having only made his debut in September yet retaining his spot in every single Thomas Tuchel squad since. He's been named in the starting XI for five of six matches and already appears nailed on for the World Cup squad, whilst building a compelling argument to start the opening fixture.
NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - 2026/03/15: Raul Jimenez of Fulham and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest seen in action during the Premier league football match between Nottingham Forest and Fulham at the City Ground. Final score; Nottingham Forest 0 : 0 Fulham. (Photo by Paul Bonser/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Elliot Anderson has impressed this season despite Nottingham Forest's struggles(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Anderson's ability to evade pressure, positional awareness and work rate make him an exceptionally rare find. At just 23, he could yet reach new heights if he leaves the City Ground.
Carlos Baleba
While Anderson has maintained his standards despite his side's dip in form, there's an argument that Baleba's slump has been a major factor behind Brighton's underwhelming campaign. The Cameroon international ended last season in impressive fashion but has been prepared to acknowledge he hasn't reached those levels on a consistent basis this time round.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion is challenged by Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park on February 11, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Carlos Baleba and Brighton have dropped off compared to last season(Image: Ben Roberts - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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"I feel more relaxed now," he revealed to Sky Sports in February, suggesting a change of scenery at the Africa Cup of Nations helped him rediscover his rhythm. "The noise about me outside, I didn't understand. I didn't look on the websites. I'm more focused on me, myself and for my team-mates."
At 22, he still has plenty of room for development. That said, there hasn't been the same feeling as last season that he's been performing at a standard to warrant the nine-figure price tag being touted last term.
Alex Scott
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Alex Scott of Bournemouth and Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Alex Scott has helped Bournemouth solidify despite some high-profile exits(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Despite the considerable player turnover at Bournemouth this season, Scott has remained and made a significant impact. The Cherries saw their defence decimated in the summer and had Antoine Semenyo leave for Manchester City in January, piling on the pressure for players like Scott to rise to the occasion.
There have been some standout performances, but he was the first to acknowledge that consistency hasn't always been present - though at 22 he can easily improve on that front if given time. "I think there were a few games where my levels dropped, but I'm back to my best. I'm definitely in the form of my life," the former Bristol City star told BBC Radio Solent in February.
He secured his first England call-up in November but didn't make it onto the pitch for his debut and subsequently missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the March internationals. There's a case to be made that the resurgent Kobbie Mainoo has claimed the spot that could have been his, sparking debate about whether he's the right fit for United.
Adam Wharton
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Matheus Cunha of Manchester United runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on March 01, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Adam Wharton has been a fixture in the Crystal Palace midfield(Image: Alex Livesey, Getty Images)
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Crystal Palace ace Wharton has joined Mainoo in making the cut for Tuchel's latest squad. The former Blackburn midfielder played his first international matches in nearly 18 months when he featured against Serbia and Albania in November and certainly appears to have won Tuchel's respect.
Wharton is comfortable in possession and has looked confident spraying passes around in an inconsistent Palace side. That said, there remain doubts about his ability to help unlock more defensive sides, something which could be a bigger requirement at Old Trafford despite not being his primary function at Selhurst Park.
Whether Wharton represents the right choice may hinge on United's other midfield business. Speculation surrounding a Bruno Guimaraes transfer has intensified recently and Wharton's attributes would seem to complement those of the Brazilian - although more sales may be required to raise funds for a double swoop.