Sky Sports: Man United eyeing moves for two Premier League stars in 2026 | OneFootball

Man United Set Sights on Midfield Reinforcement Next Summer

Manchester United are already shaping plans for next summer’s transfer activity, with reports from Sky Sports confirming that a new midfielder will be at the top of their agenda. After a heavy outlay in previous windows, January recruitment is expected to be minimal. However, the groundwork is being laid for what could be a defining summer for Ruben Amorim’s project.

Contract Uncertainty Could Drive Change

The club face potential departures that could significantly alter the financial landscape of the squad. As outlined by Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett and Danyal Khan, “there is a realistic prospect that Brazilian Casemiro will not see his contract renewed, freeing up space on the wage bill and therefore presenting United with an opportunity to strengthen in that area of the field.”

With Harry Maguire also among those nearing contract expiry, the midfield spine could look very different by the time pre-season rolls around. Casemiro’s future has long been a topic of internal debate. Once a transformative signing, his physical output has dipped and the realities of elite Premier League intensity have caught up.

One United source is said to have remarked privately, “We need legs in there and long-term availability, not just reputation.” That sentiment underlines the direction of thinking.

Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson Among Options

Sky Sports confirmed that “United have long been admirers of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba” and his name has remained on the club’s scouting reports since his arrival from Lille. At just 20 years old, he fits the evolving recruitment strategy: athletic profile, high ceiling, sell-on potential.

However, Baleba “is just one of a number of midfielders they continue to monitor” and United are also tracking Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. His form under Nuno Espírito Santo has raised eyebrows, with “impressive performances continuing into this campaign” and Old Trafford scouts are believed to be particularly intrigued by his blend of control and aggression.

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United’s Priorities Reflect Amorim’s Blueprint

Last summer, “United had looked at possible options in the middle but had prioritised other positions, especially up-front.” That choice was understandable given injuries in attack and the need to sustain momentum, but Amorim is now in a position to reshape the midfield dynamic entirely.

United are no longer chasing marquee statements for the sake of it. The club hierarchy are prepared to wait for the right profile rather than force a solution. The coming window will reveal whether they opt for proven Premier League readiness or high-upside youth.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this update will be met with cautious optimism. The idea of moving on from Casemiro is more bittersweet than controversial at this point. He arrived as a serial winner and changed the mentality overnight, but football does not reward sentiment. If letting his wages go means securing a 20-year-old powerhouse like Baleba, most fans would accept it.

Supporters will want clarity early though. United have been guilty in recent years of entering windows knowing where they need to strengthen but dithering until the final weeks. With Ruben Amorim in his second season and already showing tactical evolution, he now needs players fully suited to his pressing style. Energetic midfielders who can transition quickly, not aging anchors who rely on positioning alone.

Carlos Baleba feels like the kind of name United fans would get behind, someone who could grow alongside Kobbie Mainoo. Elliot Anderson is perhaps less glamorous, but sometimes these signings turn into the most effective. If Amorim believes in him, the supporters will follow. The only non-negotiable is that United act decisively, not reactively. Next summer cannot be about patching holes, it must be about building the long-term spine of this team.