United’s Midfield Makeover: 3 Domestic Targets the Red Devils Could Add to Redefine the Build
21 November 2025
United’s Picked Three: Domestic Midfield Targets
Manchester United continues refining its transfer strategy, assembling a tight short list of three standout midfielders to bolster the squad under manager Ruben Amorim’s project.
Reports from The Sun indicate that the club has identified Adam Warton of Crystal Palace, Elliott Anderson of Nottingham Forest, and Carlos Baliba from Brighton as the three players to add depth and quality to the midfield.
This approach aligns with Amorim’s philosophy of targeting players who have proven themselves in the Premier League, rather than importing talent from other leagues that would demand an adaptation period.
Amorim views the success of recent signings—most notably Mbwemo from Brentford and Cunha from Wolverhampton—as validation of sticking with domestic options, given their immediacy and familiarity with English football’s tempo.
Last season’s expensive spree, including signings from within the league, underpins United’s confidence that the domestic market offers both reliability and value. Mbwemo’s six goals in all competitions this season highlight the immediate impact such acquisitions can have, while Cunha has become integral to the forward’s build‑up and overall attacking mechanism.
Historically, United hasn’t relied heavily on domestic transfers in recent years; the last major local signing before Cunha was Mason Mount from Chelsea in 2023, while Harry Maguire’s move from Leicester City dates back to 2019.
Midfield is now an explicit priority in Amorim’s rebuild, with three players identified as potential game‑changers who could elevate the engine room without uprooting the squad’s existing balance.
Elliott Anderson has shone for England’s youth sides and has delivered a season that has turned heads, marking him as one of England’s bright young talents. Adam Warton, a gifted midfielder at Crystal Palace, has progressed rapidly in recent months and has drawn attention from the top clubs in England. There were earlier signals of United’s interest, suggesting a belief that his ceiling remains very high within the Premier League.
Carlos Baliba is considered a long‑term option for the anchor role in midfield, thanks to his physicality, relentless press, and ability to win back possession under sustained pressure.
Sources indicate United will not press for mid‑season “panic” signings in January, preferring to wait for the summer if negotiations with the three players stall. The club would rather bide its time than overspend on a player outside the Premier League who isn’t aligned with Amorim’s plan.
United’s recent outlay—over £200m last summer for Mbwemo, Cunha, and a striker, plus a late goalkeeper and a defender—has reinforced the belief that the squad’s salary structure can accommodate future moves, provided the club responsibly prunes wages and exits non‑essential earners.
With several high‑earners moving on the horizon, including Casemiro (turning 34 in February) and Jadon Sancho (earning around £250k per week), the club anticipates meaningful payroll relief by June. Tyrell Malacia’s imminent contract expiry also contributes to potential savings, enhancing flexibility for summer recruitment and broader strategic planning.
Meanwhile, Napoli are expected to activate their purchase option for striker is hojlund and Barcelona could consider Rashford’s long‑term deal, underscoring the broader market context in which United negotiates its mid‑field ambitions. The club remains confident in its ability to execute a significant midfield signing next summer if required, especially given the evolving wage dynamics and the clear preference for Premier League proven players.
