Man Utd's six-man midfield shortlist! Red Devils eye three England internationals, a Chelsea star and previous summer target as Ruben Amorim eyes major overhaul

United’s Portuguese boss has endured a challenging time at Old Trafford since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024, overseeing a dismal first season with the club. He has been unable to produce consistent results, with United recording their lowest ever Premier League points tally under his management, finishing 15th and failing to qualify for Europe. Amorim's inflexible adherence to his preferred 3-4-3 formation has come under scrutiny, with critics questioning its suitability for the current squad and players appearing to struggle within the system. The team's poor performances, including an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, have also led to reports of low morale within the dressing room. But results have improved, as victory over Sunderland was followed by the morale-boosting win against heated rivals Liverpool.

United have failed to land the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, but it hasn’t been due to the lack of investment in the playing squad. In the five-year period from the 2020-21 to the end of the 24-25 season, Man Utd spent well over £800 million ($930m) on transfers. Their net spend is one of the highest in world football and the investment peaked during the 2022-23 season under Ten Hag, with £207m ($275.6m) spent on players such as Antony and Casemiro. In recent transfer windows, the club has continued its substantial outlay, including £219m ($291.5m) this summer. And now boss Amorim plans spend big again to refresh his midfield options. 

Amorim has ambitious wanted list, but there are major stumbling blocks for all of them, according to a report in talkSPORT. Brighton's Carlos Baleba remains a priority, although the South Coast have ruled out a January sale. United are also interested in the highly-rated Elliot Anderson, but the England international is reluctant to leave Nottingham Forest mid-season, despite Sean Dyche's team currently sitting in the relegation zone. 

United are also monitoring Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace, though he recently signed an improved contract and has not pushed for a move, despite his stated ambition to play Champions League football. Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart is another potential option, reportedly open to a Premier League move. While United didn't bid for Stiller in the summer, they are tracking the 24-year-old, who has a £35 million ($46.5m) release clause that Stuttgart can remove. The most likely option is Conor Gallagher after a summer loan approach was rejected by Atletico Madrid in favour of a permanent deal, and Atleti want over £35 million. Gallagher has struggled for playing time at Atletico, making nine appearances but failing to complete a full match. And Chelsea's Andrey Santos is an ambitious target as the Blues have said the 21-year-old Brazilian is also not for sale.

The next steps for United will depend on the future of the midfielders already at the club. Casemiro is heading into the final months of his contract and there are question marks over the future of Bruno Fernandes, who is wanted on a mega-money pay deal in Saudi Arabia. Kobbie Mainoo is also desperate for a move away from Old Trafford, but been blocked from leaving. If Amorim can clear some space, he can add at least two stars from his list… if he can convince them to come.