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The summer of 2026 will see Manchester United look to overhaul the midfield, and already, countless potential signings have been linked to the Red Devils.
Manchester United’s midfield is going to undergo open-heart surgery this summer, with Casemiro leaving the club and Manuel Ugarte also likely to depart.
The result would leave United needing three midfielders at least, and the early signs are that this is very possible, with so many talented midfielders linked.
Now, ahead of the summer 2026 transfer window, countless options are being considered. United in Focus have ranked all 20 of the first-team names from most suitable to least.
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Leading the pile is United’s rumoured top target, Elliot Anderson, and the Nottingham Forest star is also the leading candidate in our eyes.
Anderson has all the qualities to be United’s Declan Rice, potentially transforming the department for years, while also suiting Kobbie Mainoo.
Forest’s possible relegation could also see him available for significantly less than the £100m mark they may have commanded.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
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In second place is Ayyoub Bouaddi, the wonderkid midfielder currently breaking through at Lille, who looks destined to be a world-class midfielder.
United have been plotting a move for Bouaddi in the summer, although getting his signature will be tough due to his wonderkid status.
Lille could be forced to sell Bouaddi, and United are thought to be among the clubs sitting at the front of the queue.
Adam Wharton is another midfielder United are likely to consider making a move to sign, with his skillset arguably the most possession based of the options.
Wharton has earned Roy Keane approval this season, and despite common belief, he is unlikely to break the bank. Reports claim Wharton has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Palace for £65m, a very reasonable figure.
Wharton is one of the three top priorities, and a move could be made quite swiftly if Ineos decide to sign him, with Champions League football a big factor.
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One option looking increasingly likely is Sandro Tonali, with United fighting City for his potential signature this summer, with Newcastle likely to sell with no Champions League football.
There have been conflicting reports over a gentleman’s agreement for Tonali to leave this summer, but ultimately, he would be a very costly signing with Ineos likely needing close to £80m, a premium fee for a player who would bring a lot.
Whether he is the perfect signing for such a large fee isn’t so clear right now, but it would definitely be an upgrade.
Last summer, United made moves to sign Carlos Baleba before ultimately deciding that he would be too costly after an already near £200m window.
Baleba has had a concerning season at Brighton, and he will have dropped down the pecking order, but the quality is still there, and he just needs to grow mentally and not be so swayed by rumours.
While not considered one of the top priorities, Baleba’s value has dropped, and he could be signed as a supplementary midfielder, with the club clearly massive fans of the Cameroonian.
The second Newcastle name on this list is Bruno Guimaraes, with the captain of the Magpies among those heavily linked recently.
United were reportedly in advanced talks for Guimaraes, which has since been disputed by UK-based reporters. But still one worth keeping an eye on.
If United want to win a league next season, Guimaraes is ready-made and could step right in as a starter and leader. But Ineos probably want someone younger for the price he would command.
7. Aurelien Tchouameni
Surprisingly, one name linked is Aurelien Tchouameni, with the Real Madrid star potentially a casualty of interest in Rodri from the Bernabeu.
The Frenchman has long been wanted by United, and now links are drawing Tchouameni to Old Trafford again ahead of this summer.
He would bring a winning mentality to the club, but there should be hesitation if Madrid are happy to sell, as usually that signals an injury crisis or that he’s not good enough, especially when he is supposed to be in his prime years.
8. Alex Scott
One name on the list for United is Bournemouth’s star midfielder Alex Scott, who is undoubtedly on the rise, getting better and better.
United are considering Scott as he continues to impress, potentially a cheaper option for Ineos and one who might not be so quick to settle, considering he is a level below the others higher on the list.
While Premier League experience is a key factor for United in signing a midfielder, Angelo Stiller remains an option.
Jason Wilcox is a big fan of Stiller, as is Christopher Vivell, no doubt, and if the expensive top targets don’t become available, United could turn to the German. But this comes at a higher risk.
10. Myles Lewis-Skelly
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One of the newest links to emerge has seen United’s interest in Myles Lewis-Skelly continue to grow as he is expected to be cashed in on.
While named as a possible left-back signing, Lewis-Skelly is more likely to find long-term success as a midfielder.
As a third midfield addition, United wouldn’t find many options better if he is available for around £40m at the very most.
11. Christos Mouzakitis
Greek wonderkid Christos Mouzakitis is another younger option being considered by United, as recent reports have stated.
Mouzakitis has been on United’s radar for months, and his ability is very impressive, although he probably wouldn’t be an immediate fix for United’s issues.
Carrick has proven he can develop youngsters, so if he is appointed permanently, this should be seriously considered.
Like his teammate Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga has also found himself linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
But unlike his French teammate, Camavinga’s availability has clear red flags to avoid with his injury situation at such a young age, worrying.
He might be affordable, with Camavinga available for £40m, but that carries a huge risk and likely a huge wage. There are better options.
13. Kees Smit
Kees Smit is among the lesser-known names on the list as the Dutch wonderkid looks like he will fulfil his potential.
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Smit is considered the next Frenkie de Jong, and he would be a big improvement on the current crop of midfielders, potentially a game-changing signing who could be much higher in this list by June.
This summer, Smit expects to leave AZ Alkmaar, with United among the interested parties.
One option for United is a familiar name in the form of James Garner, who was sold to Everton for £9m in 2022.
Garner has been brilliant for Everton all season long, with Thomas Tuchel comparing him to Federico Valverde after he made his England debut in March.
He’d be a top signing, but is low on the list given he is a Liverpool fan, and therefore we don’t think it’s likely he rejoins the club.
15. Andrey Santos
One outside option is Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, although it is unknown whether the Blues would want to sell.
Santos is considered a Casemiro successor by United, and his qualities would add lots to the Red Devils’ side. But for the price Chelsea could demand, there are better options on the market.
As a third midfield signing, he would be great.
16. Andre
United have been linked with Andre this summer, as the Wolves midfielder has been a standout in their dismal season, which sees relegation already all but confirmed.
He would be cheap, but for the quality he has, United could do much better for the premium he’d cost for his Premier League experience. But if available below £20m, Andre could be the ideal Ugarte replacement to fill a squad role.
17. Manu Kone
One of the less likely options sees United linked with a move for Manu Kone as the Roma midfielder continues to stake his claim for a big move.
This would be a more budget-friendly signing for United, but it comes with a bigger risk given the Serie A to Premier League lack of success rate.
18. Joao Gomes
One slightly less expensive option is Wolves’ Joao Gomes, who still has plenty of Premier League experience.
United are looking at Gomes, having held long-term interest in the Brazilian and with Old Gold set for relegation, he will be available for cheap this summer. But this signing should be more of a last resort.
Ruben Amorim knew Hjulmand very well, which made this link more likely before the Portuguese head-coach left the club, and now the chances of this happening are very slim.
But as a cheap option, he’d be a solid signing. The problem is that Sporting would want Wharton-level money for a player who would be a squad player at best.
20. Aleksandar Pavlovic
Aleksandar Pavlovic has had United scouts watching him this season, and there is no shock due to his clear quality. However, Pavlovic has question marks over his injury record at such a young age.
Pavlovic has bags of potential, although if Bayern Munich are willing to let him go, there should be hesitation over this and the reason why, as we have been stung before.
21. Victor Froholdt
In terms of right now, Porto and Denmark star Victor Froholdt is not a top target, at least in terms of being considered ready to start for United.
However, United are interested in Froholdt, which could be more with an eye on bolstering the squad depth. He’s a big talent and just needs further development.
22. Jorthy Mokio
Another young option, United are keen on Jorthy Mokio; however, this would also be a move for the future, as he isn’t currently Premier League-ready.
Mokio has the potential to be excellent; however, he would probably be more of a cherry on the cake signing than the cake itself.
23. Yehor Yarmolyuk
United are in the race to sign Yehor Yarmolyuk from Brentford, as he has developed into a pretty good midfielder.
While solid, it would be an underwhelming signing for United, considering some of the dynamic options elsewhere on the list.
24. Breno Bidon
United have been linked with Corinthians’ Breno Bidon, and while he could be a cheap and low-risk high-reward signing, the likelihood of him succeeding seems slim.
Bidon is relatively unproven, and it would be a massive leap for a player already into his 20s with lots of development still needed.
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