United View: Reds look to revamp their midfield

Manchester United are looking to rebuild their midfield in the upcoming transfer windows, with the club reportedly looking at bringing in two players to help improve Ruben Amorim’s side.

After focusing its attention on the attack over the summer, United’s recruitment team looks to shift its focus onto the central midfield, with Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba regarded as two names high up on their list of candidates.

Anderson, who shone in Nottingham Forest’s recent 2-2 draw against the Reds has seen his stock massively increase over the last year, cementing himself as one of the most sought-after midfielders in the country and earning a recurring spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

Baleba had already garnered attention from United over the summer, but they were unwilling to meet Brighton’s valuation of over £100million. 

The Cameroon international is seen as a top target to come in as a defensive midfielder, screening the defence and possessing the physical and technical traits to evade an opponent’s press.

United’s current midfield partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro has found stability in recent weeks. 

Still, with both players in their thirties, Amorim will need to bring in younger talent to replace them.

Casemiro, in particular, who often struggles to complete 90 minutes, is also free to agree a pre-contract with clubs outside of England in January. 

Meanwhile, Amorim has suggested that Fernandes may have to be prepared for rotation should United qualify for European football next season, provided he doesn’t depart with interest still coming from Saudi Arabia.

The club will look to replicate this dynamic of a defensive six, with a more traditional box-to-box eight, both capable of carrying the ball or possessing a varied passing range. 

This is perhaps why Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have been out of favour, as neither quite fits the profile Amorim is looking for right now.

Without European football this season, Mainoo and Ugarte have struggled for minutes under Amorim, and it’s unclear where both their futures lie. 

With the Christmas period approaching, the pair will likely get opportunities to impress.

Mainoo has become a topic of discussion, with the academy graduate wanting to leave the club on loan to get regular game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 

And with his contract situation still unresolved, it’s an issue that will need to come to a head sooner rather than later.

With next summer falling under a World Cup year, prices could rise, especially if a player does well during the tournament. 

Should England go deep into the competition and Anderson plays a pivotal role, then Forrest could demand in excess of £100million.

United don’t want to pay over the odds for any player, hoping to avoid the excessive spending of the previous regime. 

However, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City also showing interest, they face stiff competition and may have to cough up if they want to bring in someone like Anderson or Baleba.

It’s unlikely they could attract any top targets in January, but they could lure in some players for the here and now. 

Wolves’ Joao Gomes has emerged as a potential signing, as well as Atletico Madrid’s Connor Gallagher on loan.

Midfield has been an area that United have struggled to successfully recruit for. 

The likes of Casemiro, Fred and Christian Eriksen all provided moments, but couldn’t replicate their form across successive seasons. 

If they hope to challenge for the title, they need to bring in elite performers.

The Reds next face Everton on Monday night following the International Break, as they look to solidify a place in the European places.