Manchester United’s Ambitious Transfer Strategy: Focus on Midfield Reinforcements

In the wake of a challenging 2024-25 campaign, where Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League without securing any trophies, the club invested over £200 million in the recent transfer window to rejuvenate their squad. High-profile signings included Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, primarily aimed at enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities.

Manager Amorim expressed interest in signing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as the transfer window closed; however, the deal did not come to fruition. Nevertheless, Amorim is committed to strengthening his midfield options in the upcoming January transfer window and has compiled a shortlist of six potential candidates for this role.

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United has shown “concrete interest” in Nottingham Forest’s standout player, Anderson. The club has communicated this interest to Forest, who is reportedly seeking a transfer fee between £100–120 million ($131.5 – $158 million) for the England international.

The Mirror reported last month that Amorim is in pursuit of a dynamic midfielder who fits his tactical vision, and Anderson aligns perfectly with this requirement. However, it remains uncertain whether United will be willing to meet Forest’s substantial valuation or attempt to negotiate a lower price.

Despite the managerial upheaval at Forest this season, Anderson has maintained his position in the starting lineup, featuring in every Premier League match thus far and contributing a goal along with an assist. His immediate goal is to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, with aspirations to represent his country in the forthcoming World Cup.

After making his England debut during the September international break in a 2-0 victory against Andorra, the 23-year-old shared his thoughts: “I think it’s only one game really. I’m focusing on the next game and then the game after that, to try and make an impact. But obviously, all eyes on the World Cup. It couldn’t have gone much better apart from if I’d have scored. I should have scored, it is what it is… next time.”

While Anderson remains a key target for United, the club is also monitoring other midfield talents, including Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Wharton recently addressed the speculation linking him to United, downplaying the rumors. He remarked to The Athletic: “I don’t really look into it or think too much about it. There are always rumors floating about on social media. If I’m one of 20, then it’s nothing special, so it doesn’t really mean too much. I speak with my agent about planning ahead and possibilities. But at the end of the day, it is who’s interested and who’s willing to try and get you, and if that becomes the case? You can speak about it, but you’ve got to represent that on the pitch and prove that you deserve it.”