- Across Europe’s top leagues — from England’s Premier League to Germany’s Bundesliga — Manchester United’s scouting department is in overdrive.
The club is quietly assembling a refined shortlist of young, energetic midfielders who could reshape the heart of the team.
MANCHESTER — Reports emerging from within Old Trafford suggest that the club is preparing for a major overhaul of its midfield this coming summer.
Four rising stars have been identified as primary targets: Carlos Baleba of Brighton, Elliot Anderson of Newcastle, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, and Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart.
This selection highlights a deliberate long-term strategy rather than a desperate attempt to patch holes. United appear determined to add youth, energy, and modern dynamism to their midfield structure.
This shortlist is far from accidental. Each player brings a unique blend of attributes, offering the recruitment department various tactical options depending on how they want the future midfield to operate.
Carlos Baleba (20)
The powerful Cameroonian midfielder has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most promising young ball-winners.
His athletic strength, aggressive challenges, and exceptional ability to read the game make him a natural candidate for the defensive midfield position — a role United have struggled to fill consistently since the departures of their classic enforcers. Baleba’s talent and maturity at such a young age explain why he sits near the top of United’s list.
Elliot Anderson (21)
A standout product of Newcastle’s academy, Anderson embodies technical quality and football intelligence. He is capable of operating in deeper or advanced roles, offering flexibility that would benefit a team still searching for a balanced midfield identity.
His movement, composure, and creativity under pressure have caught United’s attention, especially as the club aims to add more fluid, possession-based players.
Adam Wharton (20)
Wharton has quickly become the creative heartbeat of Crystal Palace. Praised for his sharp passing, smart decision-making, and ability to break defensive lines, he possesses the kind of vision United have lacked in consistent doses.
His tactical awareness and calmness on the ball suggest he could grow into a long-term playmaker under the right development structure.
Angelo Stiller (23)
Currently thriving at Stuttgart, Stiller is best known for controlling tempo and dictating rhythm — a classic deep-lying orchestrator.
Under coach Sebastian Hoeness, he has matured into a reliable midfield anchor, helping Stuttgart transition smoothly between defense and attack. His intelligence and positional discipline make him an attractive option for a team craving stability and structure.
Manchester United’s interest in these four players clearly signals a shift away from short-term, high-cost panic buys.
Instead, the club seems committed to building a younger, more competitive midfield core capable of growing together over the next several seasons.
However, there is still one major obstacle: money. With Financial Fair Play limitations and multiple squad areas needing reinforcement, INEOS must decide whether they are willing to allocate enough funds to secure even one of these prospects.
Supporters can certainly feel encouraged by the direction, but they should also prepare for a transfer window filled with negotiations, speculation, and tough financial decisions.
