Man Utd now planning to sign £93m midfield duo as Amorim targets reinforcements

Manchester United are in the transfer market for two big midfield signings, according to Sunday Mirror (page 70).

The Red Devils primarily focused on strengthening their attack during last summer’s transfer window.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko were signed to add creativity and more goals to the set-up.

The trio have been impressive alongside new goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The onus will now be on bolstering the midfield, and manager Ruben Amorim is eyeing a couple of reinforcements.

Sunday Mirror say the Red Devils are preparing a double swoop for Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba next summer.

Nottingham Forest’s Anderson is considered the prime target, and the club believe he can play as a no.6 or as a marauding midfielder.

The England international will cost less than the £100 million valuation set by Brighton & Hove Albion for Baleba.

The Seagulls resisted the prospect of selling Baleba last summer, but United are poised to return for the ex-Lille man.

United should sign Anderson and Adam Wharton

Anderson has made exceptional progress since his move to Forest from Newcastle United last year.

The Magpies were forced to sanction his sale to recoup funds to stay within the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The decision has benefitted Forest.

Anderson, valued at £40m by Transfermarkt, was instrumental in Forest’s return to Europe in his debut campaign. Despite their struggles this season, the midfielder has stood out with his performances.

The 23-year-old has won a stunning 7.5 duels per league appearance with an average of 8.4 recoveries and 2.6 tackles. He has completed 62 passes per outing.

Anderson recently made his England debut against Andorra and appears to have cemented his spot alongside Declan Rice in central midfield for the World Cup.

Hence, it appears a no-brainer decision for United to pursue a summer deal for him.

However, we are not convinced that Baleba would be a suitable fit for United. The Cameroonian has had a drastic dip in form since being linked with the Red Devils in August.

Baleba, who has a Transfermarkt value of £53m, has averaged only 21 passes per league game. He has won 3.4 duels per outing alongside 3.6 recoveries and one tackle.

In our view, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton would be a better acquisition next summer.

The Blackburn Rovers graduate could be a perfect foil for Anderson. He is strong in ball recoveries and has the knack for providing defence-splitting passes from deep.

He has made almost two key passes per game, while creating five big chances in the league. It remains to be seen whether United contemplate changing their targets.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com (as of 16th Nov. 2025).

Article written by Sri Aswin .