Manchester United set Carlos Baleba as Ruben Amorim’s top midfield target, with Wharton and Anderson also shortlisted

Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is accelerating. Per on-record remarks from Fabrizio Romano, Ruben Amorim views Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as his top target, with Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson also monitored. The profile fits United’s intended shift to a higher press and quicker rest-defense. Baleba’s intensity, range and ball-winning align with Amorim’s double-pivot demands, while Wharton’s tempo control and Anderson’s ball-carrying give complementary options. Signals from the recruitment side suggest early groundwork has started around valuation, structure and squad planning. United want a plug-and-play solution who can grow next to Kobbie Mainoo and refresh an area that has looked heavy in transitions.

The development stems from Fabrizio Romano’s public comments highlighting Amorim’s preference order for midfield reinforcements during a broadcast segment, echoed by UK-based reporting on United’s ongoing squad planning under the new football structure. Brighton’s stance with premium pricing for core assets is well known after recent high-profile sales, while Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have both tied their young midfielders to long contracts. The chatter has intensified following United’s late-game control issues and visible frustration from senior players, aligning with a broader push to reshape the midfield ahead of the next window.

🚨🗣️ @FabrizioRomano: "Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are on the list, but what I can say is Carlos Baleba has always been seen as the top target by Ruben Amorim, with his quality and intensity, is something he really wants in the midfield." [@MenInBlazers]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

From a tactical perspective, this is exactly the kind of signing United have needed. Amorim’s teams rely on a compact mid-block that can spring into a high press with immediate bite. Baleba fits the first-action profile: aggressive duels, proactive positioning, and the legs to cover large zones. That allows United to push a fullback inside and keep a cleaner 3-2 rest-defense when possession turns over. It also reduces the physical burden on Kobbie Mainoo, who thrives when paired with a destroyer that can also pass forward on the first or second touch.

In possession, Baleba is not just a tackler. At Brighton he has shown comfort receiving under pressure, punching vertical passes between the lines and carrying past the first press. United have lacked this blend when Casemiro has had to manage large spaces or when match tempo spikes after 60 minutes. Wharton and Anderson add different levers: Wharton for rhythm and progressive passing, Anderson for high-carry entries and late box arrivals. Together, this gives Amorim the ability to tailor the second midfielder to opponent and game state.

Financially, Brighton’s valuation will be firm, but amortization and age curve favor United if they believe Baleba is a multi-year starter. Adding one homegrown option like Wharton or Anderson would also optimize registration slots. Net effect: a leaner, faster midfield that aligns with INEOS’s plan for a younger core and greater intensity across phases.

Reaction

Fan sentiment is bullish and impatient. One thread captured the mood: “We are getting him for sure. Then it’s between Stiller, Wharton and Anderson.” Another demanded, “We don’t care what Amorim prefers.. Bring me Anderson and Wharton.” The community is split between a single marquee anchor and a double-add that mixes steel with control. Several users asked if the club could sign all three, reflecting a desire to front-load the rebuild rather than drip-feed it across windows.

Casemiro’s visible frustration after being subbed has become a touchpoint. For many, it symbolized an era that needs phasing out in favor of legs and aggression. A viral clip of Amorim speaking Portuguese sparked debate about standards and urgency, while a side conversation around Leny Yoro showed fans still track the broader recruitment spine. The through-line is clear: supporters want a coherent strategy, not just big names. Baleba is seen as the tone-setter. Wharton offers Premier League polish and calm. Anderson represents upside and homegrown value. The common refrain: act early, pay smart, execute.

Social reactions

We need Anderson. Baleba is equally good but in times of Afcon, our team will be really exposed. 3 vital players are leaving just now for afcon. Imagine bringing Baleba as well. And i think the club will make such consideration before going out for any of them.

spondee (@spon_deee)

We don't care what Amorim prefers..Bring me Anderson and Wharton

Ayub Moresse (@AyubMoress6)

Can we sign the three ? Is it possible just asking ?

A man called God (@kam_0078)

Prediction

Expect United to prioritize Baleba and open formal talks with Brighton early in the next window. A realistic fee range sits around £45m to £60m including achievable add-ons, given Brighton’s negotiating history and the player’s trajectory. Brighton will seek protective clauses and a sell-on. United can offset with structure and performance triggers. If momentum builds quickly, personal terms should not be a hurdle for a project promising minutes and development alongside Mainoo.

Parallel tracks are likely. Wharton will be expensive due to his long deal and central role at Crystal Palace. Unless a premium bid north of £60m lands, Palace can simply say no. Anderson’s situation at Nottingham Forest is more flexible, but Forest will ask for a return on their 2024 outlay, so a £35m to £45m valuation with add-ons is a fair working band.

Most probable scenario: United land Baleba as the first piece, then choose one complementary profile based on price and availability. A late-window move for a third option is only plausible if outbound sales accelerate. By August, Amorim could field a Mainoo - Baleba axis with rotational minutes for a second recruit, instantly raising floor and ceiling in central midfield.

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Conclusion

The logic is tight and the pathway is clear. Amorim wants intensity and clarity in the middle, and Baleba brings both with upside to spare. United have learned the hard way that the Premier League punishes slow feet and loose structures in transition. This plan fixes the engine room first. Do that, and the press bites, the back line faces fewer red-zone runs, and the front line receives cleaner platform possession.

Brighton will make it costly, as they should, but this is the right spend at the right age profile. Pairing Baleba with Mainoo changes the rhythm of United’s games from the first whistle. Adding Wharton or Anderson would layer control or carrying to match state needs. The fanbase is ready, the recruitment logic stacks, and the football should look faster and more secure the moment this axis is installed. If United move decisively, this is the midfield that can carry the project for the next three to five seasons.