Manchester United's pursuit of a new midfielder this summer is an open secret, with several high-profile targets on their radar. The club's recruitment strategy has shifted towards proven Premier League performers, following the successful signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. This approach points towards Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson as primary targets.
Wharton has continued to impress at Crystal Palace, winning the FA Cup, while Anderson has thrived at Nottingham Forest after leaving Newcastle. Both are expected to move this summer, with Manchester City and Newcastle also interested in Anderson. Newcastle's Sandro Tonali is another option, having attracted attention from Arsenal, Real Madrid, and United. The Italian was the subject of a late transfer attempt by United in 2020, but the deal fell through.
United have also been advised to target Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, recommended by Casemiro as his replacement. However, the club's budget is limited after spending £200m on forwards last summer. Wharton and Anderson are considered higher on the shortlist, while Tonali and Guimaraes are outsiders. Brighton's Carlos Baleba was a target but carried a £100m price tag.
Newcastle's potential Champions League qualification could help them retain Tonali, while United's own Champions League hopes under Michael Carrick will influence their transfer budget. The club's midfield dilemma remains unresolved as they weigh up their options.
