Man United midfield targets January 2026—all players on Man United’s midfielders target list!
Man United midfield targets? Here, we look at the latest rumors and news about Man United’s transfer midfielder targets. So far, Man United’s latest signings have not included many midfielders this transfer window in 2026.
We point out midfielders and defensive footballers that are considered on top of the Man United midfield transfer targets this winter list. So which footballers are the Man United FC midfield transfer targets this winter? Watch & Bet on Football Live =>
Who is on Man United’s midfielder target list this January window 2026?
In 2026, Manchester United will be looking to add a midfield player because Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain. The Brazil international made an impression at United after joining from Real Madrid, but over the past 18 months, he has battled with form and physical concerns. In their 3-0 loss to Liverpool, he had a really bad game, contributing to two of the goals and being replaced at halftime.
With two years remaining on his deal, the 32-year-old may depart United during the January transfer window or the summer of the following year. We’ve listed seven midfield players that United may try to sign to take Casemiro’s place and play with players like Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.
Top Man United midfield transfer targets winter 2026
So with a solid midfield needed and a potential overhaul in the midfield department needed, we will look at who should be on the top Man United midfield transfer targets this winter. Watch & Bet on Football Live =>
5. Adam Wharton is one of Man United’s midfielder transfer targets
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is being keenly watched by Manchester United as a possible summer transfer target. CaughtOffside has learnt from sources with direct knowledge of the matter that Wharton is attracting the attention of Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim, who is a huge fan of the player.
The former England international has been on Man Utd’s radar for months, and we know that Amorim himself is a big fan of Wharton. However, there is fierce rivalry from top European teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle. Palace can demand a high price because Wharton’s contract is set to expire in 2029; some have said that it could cost more than £80 million to sign the young player this summer.
4. Carlos Baleba is another one of Man United’s midfielder transfer targets
The 21-year-old’s performances from the previous season intrigued the Red Devils, who attempted to sign him in the summer. Brighton established a price tag of £100 million, which prevented United from making a deal. Their interest in the young midfield player subsided. Journalist Fabrizio Romano argues that a settlement is still feasible.
“If Brighton opens the door to an exit for Baleba, Man United are absolutely interested in the player,” Romano stated on his YouTube channel. Man United keeps in touch with the player’s family.
After devoting the majority of their resources to bolstering their offence last summer, United are now trying to improve their midfield. Baleba’s strength, ball-carrying prowess, and poise are highly regarded.
3. Manu Kone is one of Man United’s defensive midfielder transfer targets
Manu Kone is increasingly seen as a potential goal within the game as part of a larger squad reconfiguration as Manchester United’s long-term midfield strategy continues to take form. Expectations that the 24-year-old Roma midfielder’s future may lay in the Premier League rather than Serie A have grown in recruiting circles.
United has its sights set squarely on 2026, when a lot of team and contract issues come together. The club’s leadership has been evaluating profiles that include resilience, tactical acumen, and the ability to function in a high-intensity system. That description applies to Kone, who has quietly established a solid name in Italy and is currently often linked to a move to Old Trafford.
2. Elliot Anderson is another Man United defensive midfielder transfer target
Elliot Anderson, a midfielder for Nottingham Forest, reportedly wants to join Manchester United next season. Along with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Carlos Baleba of Brighton, the England international is on the shortlist of midfielders that United is examining before the market reopens in January.
The 23-year-old is reportedly open to bringing his skills to Old Trafford following the season, even though a deal for Anderson seems doubtful next month. The midfield player joined the City Ground team in the summer of 2024 for £35 million, and Forest is anticipated to seek a cost over £50 million for him.
Despite Forest placing a price tag of £100 million or more on the midfield player, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs predicts that Anderson will likely cost more than £50 million next season.
1. Ruben Neves is one of Man United’s attacking midfielder transfer targets
Manchester United reportedly offered Barcelona a package deal costing up to €85 million (£72 million) for their Dutch midfield player. Erik ten Hag, the new manager of Manchester United, was eager for Frenkie de Jong to return to Old Trafford, where he played for Ajax. However, personal terms have not yet been agreed upon with the player.
A ‘complete agreement’ has been reached between Manchester United and Barcelona on a potential £72 million trade for midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The 25-year-old has been United’s top summer transfer target, and Erik ten Hag, the team’s new manager, is eager to get him to Old Trafford.
FAQ’s Man United midfield transfer targets
Who are Manchester United’s top midfield targets?
Manchester United are reportedly interested in several midfielders, including Joao Gomes and Morten Hjulmand, Adam Wharton, and Ederson has been long-term targets, while Ruben Neves could bring attacking creativity.
Who could be Casemiro’s long-term replacement?
Manuel Ugarte, who joined earlier this year, has been positioned as a long-term successor to Casemiro. Additionally, other defensive midfielders like Youssouf Fofana (Monaco) have been scouted​.
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