Manchester United's search for a midfielder this summer is an open secret, with several high-quality options on their radar. The club's recent recruitment strategy has focused on Premier League-proven talents from outside the top six, as seen with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Following this blueprint, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson have emerged as leading candidates.
Wharton, an FA Cup winner with Palace, has continued to develop at Selhurst Park, while Anderson has thrived at Nottingham Forest after leaving Newcastle, with the Magpies later regretting the sale. Both Englishmen are expected to move this summer, with Manchester City and Newcastle also tracking Anderson.
United's interest in Sandro Tonali dates back to 2020, when a last-ditch phone call failed to hijack his move to AC Milan. Now at Newcastle, Tonali has attracted attention from Arsenal and Real Madrid, with scouts attending his recent matches. Newcastle may resist selling if they qualify for the Champions League. Meanwhile, Casemiro, set to leave United this summer, has privately recommended his Brazilian teammate Bruno Guimaraes as a replacement.
Brighton's Carlos Baleba was a target last summer but carried a £100m price tag. Manager Michael Carrick, who pushed for midfield reinforcements before his dismissal, now has the team close to Champions League qualification, which would boost their budget and appeal to marquee signings. Wharton and Anderson remain the most likely targets, with Tonali and Guimaraes considered outsiders.
