Ruben Neves
January 2026
United are reported to be accelerating a move for Neves, valued around £20m, to strengthen midfield immediately. The club view midfield control as a core weakness and see Neves as a longer-term fit even under an interim, with funds ready to deploy quickly if conditions allow.
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.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim has restated that Manchester United will only act in January for players they are certain want to join, warning against repeating past mistakes as the club weigh defensive midfield targets and react to missing out on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. After walking away from Brighton’s £100m price for Carlos Baleba, United now track Ruben Neves, Conor Gallagher and Tyler Adams while monitoring other positions, but Amorim stresses they will not rush into panic deals and will prioritise long term fit, commitment and character over short term fixes.
Ruben Amorim
December 2025
Ruben Amorim confirms Manchester United are ready to act in January if the perfect opportunity arises, with a new defensive midfielder still the priority but scope to move for an attacker such as Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo if profile and price align with long-term planning. United have compiled a shortlist including Ruben Neves, Conor Gallagher and Tyler Adams after backing away from Brighton’s £100m Carlos Baleba, while AFCON absences for Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo increase pressure to secure a versatile, ready-made starter.
