Manchester United entered the summer transfer window expecting to prioritise midfield reinforcements, but Ruben Amorim diverted resources to strengthen an underperforming attack. That decision left the club without a new central midfielder before the deadline. Amorim has relied on Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro operating together at the start of 2025–26, and the arrangement has so far held up. With Casemiro’s contract expiring next summer, the club will almost certainly revisit midfield recruitment in January.

Here are six realistic targets United might investigate.

Conor Gallagher moved to Atlético Madrid in 2024 and produced a solid debut season, making 19 La Liga starts and earning public praise from Diego Simeone, who said Gallagher “bring a lot to us” during an impressive run. The summer additions of Alex Baena, Giacomo Raspadori and Thiago Almada increased competition, and Gallagher has been limited to four starts across La Liga and the Champions League. Reports link him with a return to England via a possible loan to Manchester United.

Angelo Stiller attracts attention for his passing. FBRef data shows Stiller ranks in the 96th percentile with 84.87 passes attempted per 90 minutes and the 98th percentile with 9.74 progressive passes per 90. United already have a leading distributor in Fernandes, and Stiller’s defensive limitations and physical profile present risks when covering transitions.

Éderson’s stock has dipped slightly over the past year, yet he enjoyed another fine season in 2024–25 for Atalanta. He offers versatility and work rate and could be a short-term upgrade on Manuel Ugarte if United cannot secure a long-term midfield signing.

Lucien Agoumé impressed in La Liga after leaving Inter in 2024. He is a strong athlete who excels defensively and profiles as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro.

Carlos Baleba remains of interest, though Brighton demanded as much as £104 million before 2025–26. Baleba covers ground and can unlock defences, but price will dictate United’s interest.

Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson appear realistically unattainable without large fees. Anderson’s all-round qualities and leadership stand out as the kind of addition that would materially improve United’s midfield.

Manchester United confirmed Benjamin Šeško would not join Slovenia for international duty, but the delay in sharing medical information prompted public criticism from Slovenia manager Matjaž Kek.

Kek said he had not received formal documentation from the club and voiced frustration at the handling of the situation. “With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents,” Kek confessed.

He made clear Slovenia wanted full access to United medical details so its own staff could assess the striker. “We would certainly like to get them. We want our medical team to also take a look at it. Our doctor is an expert in this field. We don’t have just anyone in this position.

“I cannot comment, of course I have certain information and I am also in contact with Beni. I can’t say anything because officially we don’t know anything at all. United haven’t contacted anyone from our camp. Of course, I am concerned about the player. The only thing that matters to me is his wellbeing.

“We are prepared to do everything for that and we have never sent anyone on the field if there was the slightest risk.”

The Football Association of Slovenia later said that United provided the relevant documents after the national team held its first training session on Monday. United have not issued further detail on the severity of Šeško’s condition, stating only that he would be unavailable for international duty. Slovenia’s statement added that additional tests were being arranged by United for early this week.

Numerous outlets, including The Athletic, relayed a club message that Šeško has not suffered a serious issue and is not expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines beyond this international break.

United also confirmed Casemiro, who was forced off against Spurs with 20 minutes to go, has joined the Brazil squad. Centre back Lisandro Martínez has been granted permission to train with the Argentina squad as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

When Ruben Amorim arrived during the November international break in 2024 he inherited a club used to change. Questions about his suitability have been persistent, and Marcus Rashford urged the club to “stick to a plan after relentless turnover in recent years.” The manager’s preferred 3-4-2-1 has endured scrutiny, yet United reached a level of competence in 2025–26 while results on the pitch remain inconsistent.

A snapshot of the Premier League since Amorim’s debut makes the picture clear. Arsenal lead the period with 81 points from 38 matches, followed by Liverpool on 74 and Manchester City on 70, with Chelsea also on 70. Aston Villa (66) and Crystal Palace (63) sit above Newcastle (60), Bournemouth (59) and Brighton (58). Brentford (56), Nottingham Forest (55) and Everton (53) complete the upper half of that list. Fulham are on 47 and Manchester United sit 14th with 45 points from 38 games.

Saturday’s point took United to 45 over that span. That return is the 14th most in the top flight since the manager’s debut and is only marginally better than the 42 points recorded during the troubled 2024–25 campaign, a season in which Erik ten Hag had overseen the first nine matches.

Amorim’s record reads 12 victories from 38 league games, including three consecutive wins in October. The 31.6% win rate is the poorest for a Manchester United manager since the Premier League began; by comparison Ten Hag won 51.8% of his Premier League matches for the club.

Excluding teams that were relegated or newly promoted in that period, only West Ham (41), Tottenham (40) and Wolves (38) have registered fewer points than United. United and Spurs are level on 18 points in the 2025–26 table, and Wolves remain without a win through 11 matches of the new season.

At the other extreme, Arsenal have lost just three times and amassed 81 points since Amorim’s arrival. By coincidence Leicester also recorded 81 points in their title-winning campaign a decade ago, the sixth-fewest total for a Premier League champion.