Manchester United plotting major 2026 midfield revamp with seven players on shortlist

Manchester United are not ruling out adding a midfielder this January, talkSPORT understands.

Along with their ongoing winter interest in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, United are planning for a 2026 midfield revamp and want two senior midfielders.

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This is the top priority in the market over the next two windows with both a defined No.6 and a box-to-box profile wanted as Ruben Amorim seeks ball winners and pace in the middle of the park.

Several names are on an initial shortlist, while Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo‘s futures are all unclear with no guarantee all three stay beyond this season.

The likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller have all been discussed, but it’s likely none of the five are available until at the earliest next summer.

Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves are two more feasible mid-season signings, while reports have linked Wolves Joao Gomes as a third target despite this being downplayed in recent weeks by United sources.

United had a loan bid for former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher rejected over the summer.

He is understood to be open to a return to the Premier League, but any move would require Atletico Madrid to soften their stance having informed United over the summer they would only sell the 25-year-old.

The LaLiga side value Gallagher around €40million (£35million) and it is not thought United want to buy outright.

The advantage of a winter loan for Gallagher is not only added midfield depth without a long-term financial commitment, but it also allows the club the freedom to reassess their options come summer.

Neves is yet to agree a new deal with Al-Hilal having joined from Wolves in summer 2023.

Although the Saudi club are still hoping to change his mind, sources close to the player indicate Neves is interested in a return to Europe since he has long-term aspirations of playing in the Champions League.

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The Portugal international is not necessarily fixed on joining a club with Champions League football right now, but wants a project he feels can give him it within two seasons.

The 28-year-old’s current contract expires this summer and he is free to sign a pre-agreement this window.

Juventus are another club to have made an initial enquiry, while Newcastle are credited with a historical interest.

Manchester United have discussed Neves internally, but are yet to make any formal approach to either the player or Al-Hilal.

The Riyadh-based club still prefer to keep Neves, but due to his contractual situation they would listen to offers in excess of £15m.

Neves is also prepared to lower his tax-free wage, which is currently in the region of £300,000-per-week.

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With Fernandes out for up to a month with a suspected hamstring injury, United will now assess whether to bring in another midfielder next month or go big on two names this summer instead.

The knock-on effect of Fernandes‘ absence is more opportunities for Kobbie Mainoo over the festive period.

talkSPORT understands Mainoo is keen on a loan to Napoli to get more game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup with his inclusion in the squad currently in doubt.

However, United don’t want to sell or loan and that stance is unlikely to change unless a new midfield signing arrives.

Mainoo is currently out with a minor calf injury, which is viewed as unfortunate by all parties given the 20-year-old was set to feature against Aston Villa last weekend.