Manchester United have added another midfielder to their long list of Premier League transfer options and they are prepared to go ‘all in’
Manchester United currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League following their 1-4 away at Wolves. As the winter fixtures arrive and players leave for AFCON, the next games for United will be crucial in gaining European football for next season.
Rúben Amorim has made a list of options to strengthen the United midfield in 2026. These options follow the INEOS transfer strategy of signing young, Premier League proven players as to avoid players having to adapt to the English style of football.
So far United have signed Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Mbeumo is currently United’s top scorer in the League this season with six goals whilst Cunha has also had a good run of form with an assist against his former club on Monday evening.
Amorim’s rumoured list of midfielder options has included Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. All three of these options are under 23 years old and have consistently played Premier League games for their clubs.
United ready to sign Sunderland’s Sadiki with deal ‘officially on’
United have reportedly added Sunderland midfielder, Noah Sadiki, to their list of options to strengthen their squad in the summer according to Sky Sport’s Sacha Tavolieri. Tavolieri says “The Red Devils had already approached the player’s clan at the beginning of the season, proof that the file is being followed carefully.”.
Sadiki joined Sunderland during the summer transfer window but could already be looking towards a move away as top clubs begin showing interest in the youngster. Sadiki has made fifteen appearances for Sunderland so far this season and has shown an ability to play as a defensive or attacking midfielder.
His consistent performances have shot Sunderland into a shocking ninth place in the League (above both Liverpool and Tottenham). At just 20 years old he is starting weekly for Sunderland and has became a staple in the side.
Tavolieri suggested that United may look towards Sadiki as a budget option, saying “Looking for a midfielder, United could turn to Sadiki if the track leading to Baleba proves too expensive.”. Baleba was available during the summer window but had an incredibly high £100 million price tag which put United off. Reports suggest United could return to interest in the midfielder in the summer.
United’s secret to a money saving summer lies in the academy
Amorim is looking towards midfield options to strengthen the squad. Manuel Ugarte has come under lots of criticism in the past year following poor performances and looks likely to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
United reportedly want Casemiro to sign a new contract but only if he agrees to a substantial pay cut which may cause the Brazilian to look elsewhere in the summer. Kobbie Mainoo has taken a huge hit in game time this season and is yet to start a Premier League game, rumours of loans and possible transfers away have began to circulate following the frustrating events.
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If Amorim wishes to save money on midfielders to strengthen the squad elsewhere, Sadiki could be a great budget option however he has a group of academy players waiting to fight for the club at his disposal.
Mainoo has shown his ability countless times in his short professional career and really should be consistently featuring in the team. Amorim may also wish to look to academy stars such as Toby Collyer who will return from loan at West Brom in the summer.
Other options include Jack Fletcher and Sekou Kone who are both showing great potential when playing for the academy. Amorim needs to show faith in the United academy to restore one of the core values of Manchester United.
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