Manuel Ugarte
March 2026
United are preparing midfield exits beyond Casemiro, with Ugarte potentially moved on after struggling to consistently impact games since his PSG arrival. Reports say groundwork for a transfer is already starting, with Serie A positioned as the likeliest destination and interest expected if United approve a sale.
Elliot Anderson
December 2025
Manchester United have put Elliot Anderson at the top of their midfield shortlist as they prepare for uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo and continued struggles from Manuel Ugarte. United also expect to miss out to Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo, forcing a pivot in January plans. Anderson is viewed as a premium target but is unlikely to be available until summer because Forest are fighting relegation and chasing a Europa League run. United’s wider holding-midfield list includes Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher, Adam Wharton, Tyler Adams, Joao Gomes, Ruben Neves and James Garner.
Manuel Ugarte
December 2025
Galatasaray are targeting Manuel Ugarte for a January loan and are open to a permanent deal in summer valued around £22 million. Manchester United are reportedly willing to move him on as Amorim reshapes the midfield. Ugarte has struggled to consistently impose himself since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal reported up to £51 million, despite recent starts due to injuries and absences. Even after a strong display in a 1-0 win over Newcastle, he is still being listed among potential January exits.
Patrick Dorgu
December 2025
United beat Newcastle 1-0 despite having just a third of possession, as Patrick Dorgu reacted quickest to a half-cleared set piece and lashed home a stunning 15-yard volley. The goal, his first for the club, lifted Amorim’s side up to fifth place. Amorim hailed the win as one of his best at United, praising his players’ willingness to suffer, defend deep and attack every cross. He highlighted Dorgu’s confidence and Ugarte’s revival in a slightly freer role where errors are less costly and risks are encouraged.
Manchester United
December 2025
Manchester United are drawing up plans for a new long-term midfield partnership next summer, closely tracking Premier League talents including Anderson, Wharton, Baleba and Scott as doubts grow over the futures of Fernandes, Casemiro, Mainoo and Ugarte in Amorim’s evolving squad. With high earners Fernandes and Casemiro potentially sellable, Mainoo frustrated by minutes and Ugarte yet to win Amorim’s trust, United expect to fund at least one big midfield signing via outgoing deals, prioritising younger profiles on sensible wages after missing out on Declan Rice in 2023.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim’s refusal to start Kobbie Mainoo in the Premier League, despite the midfielder’s explosive 2024 breakout and England impact, has fuelled anger among Manchester United fans who see homegrown talent as core to the club’s identity and now question the manager’s direction. Mainoo has logged just 183 league minutes and mostly late cameos while Casemiro starts, with Amorim even sniggering when asked about him after the West Ham draw before defending his selection rights, a reaction branded disrespectful by many supporters and criticised by former players such as Paul Scholes.
