Manchester United lock in 2026 midfield plan: Wharton, Gallagher, Baleba among six-man shortlist

Manchester United have set a clear pathway to add two new midfielders in 2026, with a six-man shortlist featuring Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, Carlos Baleba, Angelo Stiller, Elliot Anderson and Andrey Santos. Trusted UK reporters indicate the INEOS-led project wants ready-made Premier League quality blended with high-ceiling profiles from abroad. It’s a proactive, data-led move to future-proof the engine room and lock in stylistic versatility for a high-pressing 4-3-3. From ball-winners to tempo-setters and box-to-box runners, United are targeting the right skill mix and moving early to secure priority targets well before the market inflates.

Multiple UK-based reporters, including Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs, report that Manchester United have identified two midfield signings for 2026 and drawn up a six-player shortlist. The profiles span the Premier League and Bundesliga: Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart) and Andrey Santos (Chelsea). The plan aligns with the club’s long-term recruitment blueprint under the new leadership structure, emphasizing early positioning, data-backed scouting and stylistic fit for the next cycle of the squad refresh.

🚨 JUST IN: Manchester United are open to adding two new midfielders in 2026, shortlist is: - Carlos Baleba - Elliot Anderson - Adam Wharton - Conor Gallagher - Angelo Stiller - Andrey Santos [@alex_crook, @JacobsBen]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

This shortlist signals a decisive evolution in United’s midfield architecture. Tactically, the names cover complementary lanes rather than duplication. Adam Wharton offers composure between the lines, press resistance and vertical distribution—ideal to control tempo and link center-backs to advanced eights. Conor Gallagher brings relentless out-of-possession work and late-area arrivals, raising intensity in the press and adding secondary goal threat. Carlos Baleba projects as the powerful ball-winner who can carry through pressure and reset attacks, a modern ‘6/8’ hybrid with growth upside.

Angelo Stiller provides metronomic rhythm and smart body orientation as a deep-lying playmaker; pair him with a destroyer and the team gets clean exits under pressure. Elliot Anderson supplies direct ball-carrying and intelligent movement into half-spaces, valuable against mid-to-low blocks. Andrey Santos remains a development play: physically robust, with box-to-box traits that can be nurtured in a structured role.

Strategically, moving now for 2026 prevents premium inflation and locks in succession planning for an area that dictates match control. The blend of Premier League-proven options (Wharton, Gallagher, Anderson) with continental value (Stiller, Baleba) reduces risk while raising the ceiling. In short, United are constructing a midfield that can both suffocate opponents out of possession and accelerate transitions—hallmarks of a side built for consistent top-four contention and deeper European runs.

Reaction

Fan sentiment skews enthusiastic but selective. A loud chorus backs Adam Wharton—some go as far as “Wharton or nobody else,” underlining his rapid rise and plug-and-play fit. Another popular pairing is Wharton with Angelo Stiller, praised for technical balance: one to dictate tempo, one to tidy and recycle under pressure. Others push for Carlos Baleba’s athletic profile, arguing United need a true duel-winner who can carry through traffic.

There’s skepticism around Andrey Santos, with comments urging his removal from the shortlist until he strings consistent top-flight minutes. Conor Gallagher splits opinion: many admire his engine and pressing, but question valuation dynamics and whether he’s the optimal ball-progression piece versus a more surgical controller. Elliot Anderson gets quieter but positive nods—seen as an undervalued runner who could blossom in a structured role.

Amid the buzz, supporters also note the club’s academy momentum, citing the sight of a 15-year-old in first-team training as evidence of a joined-up pathway. The overarching mood: pick profiles that complement, not clutter; secure two starters with distinct strengths; and avoid overpaying for names without clear tactical purpose. In essence, fans want clarity, chemistry and conviction.

Social reactions

Conor Gallagher forget Andrew santos also forget it’s amongst the remaining 4

Kyvellolll (@Veloo078)

Wharton or nobody else

Sport Xparte (@aproko_Xparte)

Baleba Stiller/wharton

ShainamLM✝️ 🇾🇪 07 (@LShainam)

Prediction

Two primary scenarios emerge. First—and most plausible—United secure one Premier League-proven controller plus one high-upside ball-winner. That points to Adam Wharton alongside either Carlos Baleba or Angelo Stiller. Wharton’s game management and composure fit the leadership’s push for reliable possession phases, while Baleba’s power or Stiller’s press-resistance covers the other side of the coin. Pre-alignment work across 2025 would smooth negotiations, allowing quick moves when the 2026 window opens.

Second, United opt for an all-action engine room: Conor Gallagher as the intensity raiser paired with a controller (Wharton or Stiller). That would tilt the team toward a higher pressing baseline and more late-box arrivals, trading a bit of build-up purity for ball-winning volume and territory gains.

As for Elliot Anderson and Andrey Santos, the projection is squad planning: Anderson as a versatile rotational piece with room to grow, Santos as a developmental asset who could be parked on a tailored loan pathway until 2026. Expect the club to maintain parallel tracks—locking priority targets early, while keeping alternatives warm to avoid stalemates. If valuations hold within planned ranges and the sporting structure stays aligned, United should emerge from 2026 with a coherent, multi-functional midfield pair.

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Conclusion

From a player’s eye, this is the smartest United have looked in midfield planning for years: roles before names, profiles before price. The shortlist is balanced, modern and built for a team that wants to control tempo and crush transitions. Wharton reads the game two steps ahead; Baleba and Gallagher bring legs and bite; Stiller offers calm under fire; Anderson and Santos are growth stocks with upside if patiently developed.

The key now is sequencing—lock the controller first, then pair him with either a destroyer-carrier or a high-press runner. Do that, and the spine becomes clearer, the pressing becomes cleaner and the front line is fed earlier and flatter into space. With early positioning and decisive execution, United can enter 2026 with a midfield that finally matches the club’s ambitions: resilient without the ball, ruthless with it, and flexible enough to adapt to any opponent.