Man United Transfer Update: Latest on Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and more | OneFootball

Manchester United’s 2026 Transfer Update

Manchester United’s long term squad planning has rarely felt more pivotal. With 2026 on the horizon and an evolving system under Ruben Amorim, recruitment discussions have intensified. The original reporting from The Athletic outlines the shifting priorities and paints a picture of a club preparing to reshape its core. Here are the key takeaways from that insight, along with informed analysis on what comes next.

Midfield Reshaped for 2026

Midfield is described as the priority for United, and the detail from The Athletic is striking. The club want a dynamic presence who can win possession and transition the team up the pitch quickly. The reporting makes it clear that United are weighing up the possibility of signing two midfielders, a No 6 and a No 8, depending on departures.

One source framed it bluntly, “United want a dynamic presence in the centre of the pitch, a player capable of winning possession and getting the ball moving forwards.”

There is also the added nuance of Amorim’s tactical demands. He referenced his desire for a right footed attacking wing-back who can operate on the left, a detail that feels typically meticulous from a coach known for structure and balance.

Key Targets Monitored Closely

The Athletic reveal that United held talks, via intermediaries, with Carlos Baleba in July. Personal terms were agreed but a bid was never submitted, as Brighton insisted on a fee in line with the Moises Caicedo sale. One figure around the recruitment team told The Athletic that Brighton wanted “around £115million.”

Baleba’s form dip has not removed him from United’s list. As the reporting states, “the 21-year-old remains prominent on United’s list.”

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Elliot Anderson is another headline target after impressive performances for Nottingham Forest and England. United’s analysts have highlighted his ball-carrying, athleticism, and range of passing. His performance against United at the City Ground made an impression that still resonates.

Adam Wharton, elegant and incisive, has also been discussed. His pass to Jean Philippe Mateta for Crystal Palace’s penalty against United is referenced as an example of his vision. One United staff member, quoted in scouting notes, described Wharton as “capable of imagining and executing the hardest of through balls.”

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January business might happen, but, as The Athletic put it, it would be seizing “a low cost opportunity” rather than a long-term signature. United are not expected to pursue Joao Gomes.

Outgoings Under Consideration

Kobbie Mainoo’s immediate future appears to be a delicate balancing act. Both player and club may consider a loan in January. The article notes, “Mainoo ideally wants regular football to make a late push for World Cup selection” while United might see increased value in the summer if he impresses elsewhere.

His academy status and emotional connection to supporters complicate matters. As one internal voice suggested, “There are players you can sell and players who carry meaning, and Mainoo is firmly in the latter group.”

Manuel Ugarte is also struggling for minutes and may be assessed next summer, while Joshua Zirkzee continues to attract interest from Serie A clubs.

Long Term Monitoring Already Underway

The Athletic confirm that United are continuing their pattern of monitoring targets consistently, checking prices, assessing player mentality and ensuring scouting reports remain updated. It is a constant cycle that fits Amorim’s preference for thorough planning.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United, the plan for 2026 feels like progress. The club under Ruben Amorim is no longer lunging for quick fixes. Instead, the structure feels closer to what successful European clubs have built over the past decade.

The focus on midfield makes complete sense. Anyone watching United regularly can see that the team lack a commanding presence who links defensive stability with forward thrust. Bringing in both a No 6 and a No 8 would set the tone for the way Amorim wants United to control matches, something that has been inconsistent throughout his tenure so far.

The names being tracked add to that excitement. Elliot Anderson might surprise some supporters, but his performances for Forest show a player with the aggression and dynamism United fans crave. Adam Wharton has the elegance and passing imagination that would complement Anderson perfectly. Baleba, despite his form drop, still carries enormous upside and feels like a smart long term profile.

Mainoo’s situation will divide fans. Many would desperately want him to stay because academy players mean something special at Old Trafford. Yet the idea of a loan, if it pushes him towards the World Cup, is understandable.

What matters most is that there is finally a plan. It may take another two windows, but supporters will feel that 2026 could be the year United finally assemble a team truly shaped by the manager.