Manchester United are preparing for a major midfield rebuild next summer, with the club open to signing two new central midfielders as part of a wider squad overhaul at Old Trafford.
United have been closely monitoring several Premier League-based options, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott, as uncertainty continues to surround the futures of several current midfield regulars.
Bruno Fernandes has recently cast doubt over his long-term future at the club, suggesting in an interview that United were willing to sell him last summer while hinting at potential moves to Portugal or Italy. His situation, combined with concerns over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, has accelerated planning behind the scenes.
Mainoo was denied a loan exit earlier in the season but could reassess his position if his minutes do not improve. Casemiro, meanwhile, is approaching the end of his contract and is expected to leave when the season concludes. Ugarte has struggled for consistency since his arrival and has found himself out of favour, raising further questions about his role going forward.
With several high earners potentially departing, United would free up both wages and transfer funds to invest heavily in midfield reinforcements. The club has signed only two specialist central midfielders in the past seven years, underlining the need for long-term solutions in the engine room.
Among the targets, Anderson’s value has risen sharply following his emergence as a regular at Nottingham Forest and his England involvement. Wharton is viewed as a more attainable option due to Crystal Palace’s history of selling key players, while Baleba remains highly rated despite mixed form this season. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has also impressed and recently earned international recognition.
United’s recruitment team see the summer window as a critical opportunity to reshape the midfield, with the intention of building a more balanced and durable partnership capable of supporting their long-term ambitions.
