Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly willing to part ways with club captain Bruno Fernandes in order to finance an ambitious overhaul of the team’s midfield, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
Amorim has long made it clear that refreshing and strengthening United’s midfield options is one of his top priorities.
Over the summer, he pushed strongly for the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton, impressed by the 21-year-old’s potential and physical presence.
However, negotiations between United and Brighton collapsed when the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over the Cameroon international’s transfer fee.
Although a move did not materialise during the last transfer window, United are widely expected to revisit their interest in Baleba in 2026.
A January signing is considered improbable, mainly due to Baleba’s anticipated involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, which would complicate any mid-season transfer. As a result, United are more likely to step up their pursuit once the current campaign ends.
But Baleba is not the only midfielder on United’s wishlist. Amorim and United’s recruitment team are also keeping close tabs on Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest talent Elliot Anderson.
Both players have emerged as standout performers for their respective clubs, making them appealing options for United’s long-term rebuild.
Rather than being forced to choose just one or two of these targets, United are reportedly prepared to make a massive financial commitment to bring all three midfield prospects—Baleba, Wharton, and Anderson—to Old Trafford.
However, doing so would require significant funds, especially since Forest have indicated that they will not entertain any January bids for Anderson. The Midlands club are believed to be holding out for offers well in excess of £100 million in the summer.
Brighton are also expected to place a similarly high valuation on Baleba, while Palace remain determined to keep Wharton at least until the end of the season.
To generate the necessary funds, United are considering the possibility of selling captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker was heavily linked with a move away from the club during the last transfer window, with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad expressing strong interest.
Fernandes ultimately declined those offers, explaining recently that his motivation to stay had nothing to do with concerns about the World Cup. He insisted that both he and the club wanted him to remain at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, should United choose to cash in next summer, a move to Saudi Arabia could once again be on the table.
In addition to Fernandes, Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, are also expected to depart as part of United’s funding strategy for their midfield reconstruction.
United will resume their Premier League campaign on Monday night when they host rivals Everton, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to six matches after their dramatic late 2–2 draw against Tottenham in their previous outing.
