MU is entering the preparation phase for an important midfield overhaul, as coach Ruben Amorim requests reinforcements before next season.
MU determined to recruit a quality midfielder.
According to British media, the "Red Devils" will add a quality midfielder in the summer of 2026. MU identified two major targets for the summer transfer window of 2026 to complete the squad according to the philosophy of the Portuguese strategist, including Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Carlos Baleba of Brighton.
Anderson is considered the number one target. The 23-year-old is highly regarded for his ability to play as a number 6 and a mobile midfielder, and is available for a much more reasonable fee than Brighton's £100 million valuation of Baleba.
Anderson has been on a tear, and Newcastle's forced sale to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations has inadvertently benefited Forest. The England international has made his mark at Forest, averaging 7.5 tackles won, 8.4 recoveries, 2.6 tackles and over 60 passes per game.
His convincing form helped Anderson be called up to the England team and play alongside Declan Rice on the journey towards the 2026 World Cup, thereby further strengthening the reason for MU to be determined to pursue.
On the contrary, Baleba is no longer in the same form as when he was linked in the summer of 2025. The 21-year-old midfielder has much dimmer statistics with 21 passes per game, 3.4 duels won and only one tackle.
Last summer, United brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens. But after strengthening the attack, the next task was to rebuild the midfield, a position that Amorim considered key to the style of play he pursued.