Manchester United remain determined to strengthen their midfield this summer, with four key targets firmly on their radar following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
According to The Sun, the club continue to monitor Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Alex Scott (Bournemouth) but will not pursue any of them in the current January transfer window.
United’s position remains unchanged, no new midfielders will arrive this month.
The club’s hierarchy wants to wait for the appointment of a permanent manager this summer before making long-term decisions on the squad.
With interim manager Michael Carrick ready to guide the team through to the end of the season, the club believes it would be counterproductive to commit significant funds without clarifying the tactical vision for the next head coach.
Man United desperate to rebuild midfield
The need for midfield reinforcements has become more and more urgent.
Remarkably, United have only signed two central midfielders in the last seven years, a period marked by inconsistency, unbalanced squads and constant managerial turnover.
The result is a midfield unit lacking cohesion, creativity and physical presence.
Casemiro, whose contract expires in June, is expected to leave at the end of the season.
Once an elite ball winner, the Brazilian has struggled with injuries and pace, making midfield regeneration inevitable.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte, signed in 2024, has failed to live up to expectations, struggling heavily against the speed and physical demands of the Premier League. His performance has raised serious internal doubts about his long-term fitness.
United’s current options are struggling
Kobbie Mainoo, seen as a major part of the club’s future, has not developed as quickly as expected.
Some within United believe his limited playing time under Amorim has stunted his progress, but the club remains optimistic that a stable environment under a new permanent manager will unlock his potential.
Despite the obvious urgency, United chose patience. With the club still in the midst of an internal restructuring and preparing for a new managerial era, the club believes a deal in January would be rushed, too expensive or poorly aligned with future plans.
Instead, the summer window is expected to see a major midfield overhaul, possibly involving two new signings as part of a midfield rebuild.
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