Overview
- Multiple reports say Manchester United have prioritized signing two central midfielders in the 2026 summer window.
- Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is viewed as the leading option due to cost and versatility, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba still firmly on the shortlist.
- Top Premier League targets are expected to cost around or above £100m in January, making significant mid-season deals improbable.
- Reports also link United with alternative options, including Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber, a possible January loan for Conor Gallagher, Wolves’ João Gomes as a cheaper buy, and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni as a high-end candidate.
- Context shaping the search includes Casemiro’s contract running to season’s end with an option, Manuel Ugarte’s struggles, praise from Sir Alex Ferguson for new goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz calling a move to United a dream.