Manchester United are gearing up for a transformative midfield overhaul in 2026, with reports from talkSPORT indicating that manager Ruben Amorim is targeting a dynamic and robust midfield to elevate the team’s competitiveness. The club is reportedly open to signing two new midfielders, with a focus on injecting intensity, pace, and physicality into the squad. This follows concerns over the uncertain futures of key players like Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, while Casemiro’s contract nears its end, though an extension remains possible despite interest from Brazilian and Saudi Pro League clubs.
The shortlist for United’s midfield rebuild spans the Premier League and Europe, with several standout names emerging. At the forefront is Brighton’s 21-year-old Carlos Baleba, whose athleticism and ball-carrying ability align perfectly with Amorim’s vision. However, Brighton have firmly ruled out a January move, meaning United may need to wait until the summer to secure the Cameroonian star.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is another name in the frame, though his reluctance to leave mid-season could complicate matters. With Forest struggling in the Premier League, Anderson’s current form has sparked talk of a potential England call-up for the 2026 World Cup, which may delay any transfer.
Beyond the Premier League, Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller has caught United’s attention. The 24-year-old midfielder, known for his tactical intelligence, fits Amorim’s structured system and comes with a release clause of approximately £35 million. However, Stuttgart could remove this clause for a smaller fee, potentially accelerating interest in January or next summer.
Conor Gallagher, currently struggling for minutes at Atletico Madrid, appears the most attainable target. Having attempted a loan move for Gallagher in the summer, United could capitalize on his openness to return to England. Atletico’s insistence on a permanent transfer, potentially below the £35 million mark, makes this a realistic option for 2026.
The most ambitious target is Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, but the Blues are unwavering in their stance, with talkSPORT reporting that “Santos is simply not for sale.” The Brazilian has settled into regular appearances at Stamford Bridge, making a 2026 move highly unlikely unless significant changes occur. United will continue to monitor the situation, but Chelsea’s firm position suggests this deal is a long shot.
Amorim’s clear plan to reshape the midfield with a blend of Premier League-proven talent, young potential, and European tactical nous signals an exciting shift for Manchester United. The focus on players like Baleba, Anderson, Stiller, and Gallagher highlights a commitment to building a high-energy, modern midfield capable of competing on multiple fronts.
For United fans, this proactive approach is a breath of fresh air after years of inconsistent transfer strategies. The prospect of replacing aging stars like Fernandes or Casemiro with dynamic, hungry players is enticing, though losing such figures would be emotionally challenging. As one supporter noted, “If Gallagher brings the fight and energy we’ve missed, I’m all for it.” The emphasis on long-term targets like Baleba and Anderson suggests a departure from short-term fixes, but fans remain wary of the club’s ability to execute deals efficiently without drawn-out sagas.
With Amorim’s vision taking shape, securing two of these midfield targets—potentially alongside retaining Casemiro for depth—could transform United’s engine room by summer 2026. The blend of youth, athleticism, and tactical intelligence on this shortlist offers hope that United are finally building a squad capable of reclaiming their place among the elite.