Manchester United have reportedly settled on seven midfield targets as Rúben Amorim identifies a new transfer priority at Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United currently sit in tenth place in the Premier League following an embarrassing loss to ten-man Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night. The club’s goal is still to finish in the European spots.
The United recruitment team will be hard at work over the coming months as the January transfer window opens and United can look to begin negotiations with clubs over new additions. The January window, however, is particularly hard to sign players in due to players being settled and many contracts lasting until the summer.
It is unlikely that United will make any significant signings in January and will instead use the summer window to target more impactful players. Rumours have begun to spread over who United will be looking to improve the squad.
There has been a particular focus on the midfield role, as Manuel Ugarte’s performances have been disappointing; Kobbie Mainoo is looking to leave the club on loan over a lack of game time; and Casemiro is beginning to age and needs adequate backup.
Amorim’s transfer strategy has been to target proven, experienced players who fit his tactical setup throughout his United tenure.
United make list of seven ‘top-level’ midfielder targets
According to ESPN, United’s recruitment plan for next summer centres on bringing in at least one top-level central midfielder. A focus on Premier League-proven players has worked for Amorim so far, with the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who have both had positive starts to their United careers.
United will look to continue this trend by targeting Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson, who has been a key player for the club, delivering standout performances in key games throughout this season. Similarly, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has been a key influence over Palace’s impressive form, pushing them into fifth in the league.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is also still being targeted despite a shaky start to his 2025/26 season, but it is clear that the star is interested in a move to Old Trafford. Wolves’ Brazilian midfielder duo of João Gomes and Andre are also amongst the targets despite Wolves’ awful form in the league. The duo would, however, be cheaper than other options if Wolves were to get relegated at the end of the season.
United’s recruitment team are also looking abroad to fill in the midfielder role with Athletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher being watched as an option.
The England international has made over 130 Premier League appearances for numerous clubs, including Chelsea and Crystal Palace. His league experience will be a key reason for Amorim to target him in the summer.
An option without Premier League experience is Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, who came through the Bayern Munich youth system and has played in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart over the last four years as a defensive midfielder.
The star may look towards a move to the Premier League to face a new challenge, but would likely prioritise European football.
Amorim to target a wing-back alongside a new midfielder
ESPN also reported that Amorim will look to target a new wing-back in the summer to improve upon the current options. Amorim’s first signing for United in January last year was wingback Patrick Dorgu, who fits well into his tactical setup, which features two wingbacks.
United’s current formation with two wingbacks means the squad needs depth in these areas, and United will need to target players who fit well into these roles. Amongst the targets is Inter Milan’s Dimarco, who has had years of top-level experience playing as a left wing-back.
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United can also look to the youth team to fill in with these positions. Summer signing, Diego Leon, is yet to make his senior debut for the club, but has improved in form and fitness since his signing. Harry Amass is also among the United loanees whose positive performances are likely to catch Amorim’s eye.
With European football a target for United, January signings will be needed to push the squad toward that goal. If United do manage to reach this, it will make the signing of top-level players in the summer a whole lot easier for the club.
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