Manchester United have identified their priorities for the 2026 summer transfer window and their business will influence the future of several players already at Old Trafford
Manchester United want to sign two midfielders in next summer’s transfer window, signaling a major overhaul of the Red Devils’ engine room. Mirror Football understands that Ruben Amorim and United’s recruitment team have prioritized the center of the park as an area that needs to be addressed at the end of this season.
Old Trafford bosses already tried to sign Brighton’s £100m-valued Carlos Baleva in August, and the Cameroon international remains on their wish list. This is alongside Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson, who is set to play a key role in England’s midfield at the 2026 World Cup.
If United have their way and sign both players, there is no doubt that players already in Amorim’s squad, particularly the midfielders, will be affected. Amorim have relied on the duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes for much of this season, but this was just a short-term fix.
Casemiro’s contract expires in June, but Fernandes has not ruled out a move. Therefore, Amorim’s midfield may look very different by this time next year.
Mirror Football looks at the winners and losers if United bring in two midfielders.
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Loser – Casemiro
Judging by United’s plans to sign not one but two midfielders, signing Casemiro to a new deal would be surprising. The Brazilian is one of the club’s highest-paid players and at 33 years old, his time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end.
Even if he were to stay on a short-term deal at a much lower wage, Bareva and Andersson would eat up most of the minutes, preventing Casemiro from playing regularly. While the former Real Madrid stalwart certainly still has something to offer Amorim, he does not fit the profile of the player United are looking for.
Winner – Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes has hinted he will re-evaluate his future after the World Cup, but an additional option in midfield would allow the United captain to play a more natural role further up front. Fernandes, 31, is currently being used in a deeper position and is unable to score as many goals and assists as we are used to.
However, with Anderson and Baleva behind him, he will play in one of Amorim’s two No. 10 slots and will have the license to be a force in attack. That is, of course, if Portugal’s star player stays.
Which midfielder should Manchester United sign next summer? Let us know your choice in the comments section.
Loser – Koby Mainu
On the surface, Mainu is the clear loser in this scenario. The 20-year-old had already fallen out of favor under Amorim and had hoped to leave on loan before the end of the final summer period.
Mainu will be pushed further down the pecking order with the additions of Anderson and Baleva, but is that actually a good thing for him? That would surely allow United to allow him to leave, allowing the academy graduate to start a new chapter away from his boyhood club, where his career has stalled.
Winner – Mason Mount
Like Fernandes, Mount was not often used in his natural position by Amorim. His intelligence and work rate mean he is a capable midfielder within the Red Devils’ system, but the former Chelsea man will believe he can offer more than that.
Mount, who wears the number seven shirt, will play a more attacking role at Old Trafford and will be hungry for goals and assists. Being used higher up the pitch and possibly not having Fernandes to compete with could be what he has been waiting for.
Loser – Manuel Ugarte
Ugarte improved under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, but has not been able to make enough progress with United. The Uruguayan player, who is still new to the Premier League, has struggled to get into matches like Mainu.
Just as he did after his move to Paris Saint-Germain, Ugarte has not reached the heights expected and could be a candidate to leave Old Trafford as early as January. Amorim reportedly lashed out at the 24-year-old after last season’s Europa League final, criticizing his efforts and accusing him of being comfortable with a big move to Paris in 2023.
Winner – Ruben Amorim
How could you forget about your manager? Amorim wants to improve the athleticism of his midfield and has been reported multiple times to target Anderson and Baleva to do so.
The arrival of two players with proven Premier League experience would be ideal for the Portuguese, whose struggling rebuild is beginning to show signs of life. Amorim’s midfield of Anderson 23 and Valeva 21 was promising and put them on track for long-term success.
Loser – Toby Collier
Finally, there are the players Amorim liked last season. Collier has featured regularly in United’s matchday squad and his 13 appearances have provided glimpses of the 21-year-old’s talent.
Collier, currently on loan at West Brom, is gaining experience and hopes to return to Old Trafford with a real chance as a starter. But Anderson’s deal with Bareva changes things, and he will likely face an uphill battle for his rights.
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