‎Man Utd Plan to Sign Two New Midfielders as Four Premier League Targets Emerge in Summer Rebuild

‎Manchester United are preparing for a significant midfield overhaul next summer as part of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans, with the club aiming to recruit two new central players. The Red Devils have been closely tracking several Premier League midfielders, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott, as they weigh up major changes in the middle of the pitch. Uncertainty surrounding the futures of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo has accelerated the need for reinforcements.

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Manchester United are planning a major summer midfield overhaul under Ruben Amorim, with four Premier League targets shortlisted amid uncertainty over key players.

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‎Midfield Overhaul Tops United’s Agenda

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‎Questions remain over several current midfield options at Old Trafford, making links to new signings unsurprising. Fernandes recently raised doubts about his future during an interview last month, revealing that the club attempted to sell him in the summer and suggesting he would consider a move to Portugal or Italy. The United captain is also sidelined with injury after being withdrawn during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

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‎The situations of Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are also far from clear. Mainoo saw a loan request blocked in August and could seek a move during the winter transfer window if his minutes do not increase. The England international was not included in the matchday squad at the weekend and is reported to have several interested clubs should he decide to push for an exit.

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‎Casemiro, who turns 34 in February, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season and is widely expected to leave, having entered the latter stages of his career in recent years.

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‎Ugarte, signed for £50.75 million only last year, has started just four matches this season, all ending in defeat. United’s summer enquiry for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba further fueled internal doubts over Ugarte’s suitability for the Premier League, with Amorim seemingly unconvinced by the 24-year-old.

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‎Red Devils Aiming to Cut Wage Costs

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‎Fernandes and Casemiro are among Manchester United’s highest earners, while potential permanent exits for Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho would also release funds for new signings. All four players are believed to earn close to or around £300,000 per week.

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‎Over the past seven years, United have signed only two specialist central midfielders—Casemiro and Ugarte—after failing to land Declan Rice before his £105 million move from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023. While new arrivals are unlikely to top the wage structure, they could still command substantial transfer fees.

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‎Amorim’s Key Midfield Targets

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‎Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is one of the players under close consideration. The England international is contracted until 2029 and has seen his market value increase after establishing himself in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. Forest paid £35 million to sign Anderson from Newcastle 18 months ago, and he has made a strong impact since moving to the Midlands.

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‎Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is viewed as a potentially more realistic option. The 21-year-old is also under contract until 2029 and is considering a new deal, though Palace have shown a willingness to sell key players in recent years. Michael Olise joined Bayern Munich via a release clause last summer, while Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze for an initial £60 million.

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‎Baleba, also 21, remains under contract at Brighton until 2028, but his influence has declined this season. The Cameroon international has been substituted at half-time on four occasions by manager Fabian Hurzeler, who has acknowledged that United’s widely reported interest last summer played a role.

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‎Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 22, has become a regular presence in the Premier League this season and received his first England call-up last month. United had also been linked with Scott’s team-mate Tyler Adams, though the American recently suffered a suspected medial collateral ligament injury.

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‎What Lies Ahead for Manchester United?

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‎For now, United must rely on their existing options. With Fernandes ruled out until the New Year, the club could explore short-term solutions in January as they attempt to stay in contention for European qualification. The Red Devils missed an opportunity to move into fifth place with a positive result at Villa, leaving Amorim to manage a challenging period ahead.