Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba (Photos by George Wood, Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Manchester United’s pitch could look very different next season as Casemiro comes to the end of his contract, while doubts remain over the futures of both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
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The Red Devils are linked with a number of strong players in that part of their team, so much so that there is no question that all three of their midfielders may be joined by new players next season.
A few days ago we took a look at how Man Utd could go into next season if they got just three big names linked with them, but the list of targets looks very long.
? How could Manchester United get their midfield DREAM score this summer! ? pic.twitter.com/ZF60lGn5uS
– CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) March 14, 2026
Which players would be better chosen to strengthen this United field? Read on to find out our power level based on our exclusive Transfer Fit rating system, which takes into account a player’s cost, age, and other important factors.
Manchester United’s midfield transfer targets are on the rise
1) Elliot Anderson
| Elliot Anderson | OVERALL SCORE: 19/25 |
| Transfer fee | * |
| Working | ***** |
| Achievements | *** |
| Work class | ***** |
| A group requirement | ***** |
Although Elliot Anderson won’t come cheap, he has arguably been the best midfielder in the Premier League this season, and looks set to start as a key player for England at the World Cup. He loses points for his sky-high price, reported by the Telegraph and others as £100m or more, but surely there will be many top clubs who will see that as a price worth paying.
2) Adam Wharton
| Adam Wharton | OVERALL SCORE: 19/25 |
| Transfer fee | * |
| Working | ***** |
| Achievements | *** |
| Work class | ***** |
| A group requirement | ***** |
As with Anderson, there will be a big move in store for Adam Wharton this summer. He has been part of Crystal Palace and although he is slightly behind Anderson in the England set-up, United fans and other big clubs would certainly be happy to sign him this summer, even if he is unlikely to bring anything other than a big fee.
3) Jude Bellingham
| Jude Bellingham | OVERALL SCORE: 18/25 |
| Transfer fee | * |
| Working | *** |
| Achievements | ***** |
| Work class | **** |
| A group requirement | ***** |
With reports that Man United will do everything possible to keep Bruno Fernandes, according to the Daily Mail, it also makes sense for them to plan something big if he leaves. The names are not worse than Jude Bellingham, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford by the Spanish company Fichajes, even if they say that Real Madrid are not willing to sell.
4) Mateus Fernandes
| Mateus Fernandes | TOTAL SCORE: 15/25 |
| Transfer fee | *** |
| Working | *** |
| Achievements | * |
| Work class | ***** |
| A group requirement | **** |
Mateus Fernandes was linked with United by talkSPORT recently after an impressive season with West Ham. His transfer fee probably won’t be as high as some of the names on this list, especially if the Hammers are relegated, and he’s still young enough to continue to improve, even if he’s inexperienced compared to other rumored targets for the club.
5) Bruno Guimaraes
| Bruno Guimaraes | OVERALL SCORE: 13/25 |
| Transfer fee | * |
| Working | *** |
| Achievements | *** |
| Work class | ** |
| A group requirement | **** |
A report from Reuters claims that United are in advanced talks over the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. While the Brazilian is undoubtedly the best player, it could be argued that he is the best considering that he will be turning 29 at the start of next season.
6) Morgan Gibbs White
| Morgan Gibbs White | OVERALL SCORE: 12/25 |
| Transfer fee | * |
| Working | *** |
| Achievements | * |
| Work class | *** |
| A group requirement | **** |
Perhaps not the level United need, but Morgan Gibbs White has had another fine season for Nottingham Forest and looks set to make an impact at the big club. A solid addition for United if they can’t find more targets.
7) Sandro Tonali
| Sandro Tonali | OVERALL SCORE: 11/25 |
| Transfer fee | – |
| Working | ** |
| Achievements | ** |
| Work class | *** |
| A group requirement | **** |
We’ve just given Tonali Man Utd just 11/25 points and we’re sticking to that – the huge transfer fee that might be required doesn’t look worth it. The Italian has been a key player for Newcastle, but he is not the best fit to improve this MUFC team.
8) João Gomes
| João Gomes | OVERALL SCORE: 10/25 |
| Transfer fee | ** |
| Working | * |
| Achievements | ** |
| Work class | ** |
| A group requirement | *** |
At the central end, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes could be an option worth looking at, but it’s also hard to see him being good enough after a season where he was part of a Wolves side that looked set to be relegated after some really poor form.
9) Carlos Baleba
| Carlos Baleba | OVERALL SCORE: 9/25 |
| Transfer fee | – |
| Working | ** |
| Achievements | * |
| Work class | *** |
| A group requirement | *** |
At one point this would have been higher, and it could be again, but Carlos Baleba’s form has really dipped this season. Brighton will probably still want a big fee for a young player who clearly has a lot of potential, but it would be a huge gamble at this point in time.
10) Tyler Adams
| Tyler Adams | OVERALL SCORE: 9/25 |
| Transfer fee | ** |
| Working | * |
| Achievements | * |
| Work class | ** |
| A group requirement | *** |
We reported on Tyler Adams as a man United and other big clubs are looking at as he could be available on the cheap this summer. While that would mean he’s a useful backup option, it’s hard to see him as someone who should be high on the list for a club as ambitious as United.
