Baleba vs Wharton vs Anderson – Who should Man United sign? | OneFootball

It is no secret that Manchester United want to sign a new midfielder in 2026. The Red Devils have revamped their approach in the transfer market following INEOS’ arrival.

The Premier League giants fixed their backline in the summer of 2024, signing Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Leny Yoro. This year, the focus was on attack, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko signed to revamp Ruben Amorim’s frontline.

Young Diego Leon was the only addition to the backline, while the club also secured the signature of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day to bolster their options between the sticks.

United were linked with multiple midfielders in the summer transfer window. The club explored the possibility of signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion, while also considering Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as options.

Unfortunately, the Red Devils ended up signing none of them. However, the position is likely to be at the top of their agenda in 2026.

United need a new midfielder

United are already in the market for Casemiro’s long-term replacement, especially since Manuel Ugarte has yet to convince. The Brazilian’s contract expires at the end of this season and he isn’t expected to sign a new deal.

Ideally, the Red Devils would like an athletic player who can press, win back balls, and help in the build-up. The new man would have to complement the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.

Interestingly, the move could be subject to budget constraints, and the Premier League giants will also have to decide if they want a new name in January or whether they can afford to wait until next summer.

In Baleba, Wharton, and Anderson, United have three very different targets for 2026, but who should they move for?

All three players fit the age profile that INEOS have preferred in recent windows. Anderson will turn 23 years old in November this year, Baleba will be 22 at the turn of the year, while Wharton will follow suit a month later.

Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba is apparently a priority for United in 2026, and why not? The man brought in to replace Moises Caicedo at the Amex was outstanding for the Seagulls last season.

Theoretically, he would be the ideal replacement for Casemiro – a high-energy defensive midfielder who wins a lot of balls and ground duels. He will bring a drive in midfield that the Red Devils have lacked for a while.

Last season, he registered the fifth most interceptions among midfielders in the league and won the eighth most duels.

In Amorim’s midfield pivot, the Cameroonian would shield the backline, while effectively implementing the team’s pressing tactics. The youngster could also be a fantastic partner for Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.

However, the move has its own share of risks, especially because of the extraordinary finances involved. Brighton are likely to demand over £100m to let their prized asset leave, which, under the constant scrutiny at Old Trafford, could soon become a burden for the youngster.

Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton has enjoyed a steady rise at Selhurst Park in recent times and was integral to their FA Cup-winning run last season.

The Englishman, interestingly, is a different profile to Baleba, as he is more of a midfield controller who makes the team tick. The youngster is very composed on the ball, has an eye for a pass, and can dictate the tempo of the game from deep.

However, he lags in the defensive aspects of the game. Wharton lacks the physical aggression that United need in the middle of the park, while he is not a potent ball winner either.

In Amorim’s midfield, Wharton could be paired with a ball-winner, and he would help the team control games. He would bring stability to the middle of the park, while his ball distribution would also be an asset during transition.

The Englishman, however, missed 19 games for club and country due to injury issues last season, so his fitness record could be something that the Red Devils may have to keep an eye on. He is under contract until 2029 and isn’t short of admirers, so prising Wharton away won’t be a walk in the park.

Elliot Anderson

Last season, Elliot Anderson registered two goals and six assists from 42 appearances across competitions. He was the midfielder with the fifth-most tackles in the league.

Among midfielders, only Bruno Guimaraes (243) won more duels (243) than Anderson (242), who was second on that list. In this campaign, the Englishman has won the third most duels among all players in the league.

Anderson has that fine balance between defending and progressing passing that gives you peace of mind in midfield. He can carry out various roles in the middle of the park, and would be a good fit for Amorim’s tactics as well.

It’s no wonder that United are already trying to sign him in January!

While he is unlikely to be as costly as Baleba, prising him away from the City Ground won’t be easy. The player is under contract until 2029, and Nottingham Forest are under no pressure to let him go.

Should United play it safe?

If United are not bogged down by finances, perhaps Carlos Baleba is the ideal target for Ruben Amorim in 2026. The Cameroonian is the profile the team lacks at the moment, and he could turn out to be a bargain in the years to come.

Meanwhile, Adam Wharton would provide United with control in midfield, and orchestrates the team.

However, it is hard to deny that Elliot Anderson looks the best bet for the overall qualities he brings to the table – a midfield warrior, who is great at progressive passing and is also an attainable target. The former Newcastle United academy graduate is also the most likely to move in the middle of the season compared to Wharton and Baleba.

Anderson is well-suited to United’s pressing game, and he is strong in tackles. He also has impressive ball-carrying skills which will suit Amorim’s style of play. Interestingly, Baleba has suffered a recent dip in form this season, while Anderson has gone from strength to strength.

The Cameroonian will indeed be an instant upgrade in the middle of the park for Amorim’s team. However, one cannot deny that United could rue missing out on Anderson, who has all the makings of an Old Trafford great.

The Englishman will be the final piece of Amorim’s midfield puzzle.

All stats are from the Premier League’s website.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

online polls

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social