Man United set to move for wing-back and midfield in 2025 - Anderson, Wharton, Baleba high on list

Manchester United are prioritising a new wing-back and a central midfielder for the 2025 window, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba among the names actively assessed. Club figures are targeting a top-six finish to boost a European budget and expect sizeable wage savings from an impending squad trim. A coy nod toward South London aligns with long-standing admiration for Wharton. The profiles fit the club’s plan for a more mobile midfield and width-first build-up. From what I’m hearing, these deals are gettable if United move early and decisively. The message inside Carrington is clear: upgrade the engine room and the flanks.

The planning stems from internal recruitment reviews and performance audits around the first team, aligned with ownership’s long-term squad rebuild. United’s football leadership has mapped the 2025 window in parallel with contingency options for January. The club’s financial modelling factors potential European qualification and a rebalanced wage bill after expected departures. Scouting coverage has intensified across the Premier League market, with multiple checks on Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, plus wing-back profiles in Italy and England.

🚨 BREAKING: Manchester United will look to bolster their options at wing-back next summer, alongside their pursuit of a central midfielder. United are assessing their options to strengthen their midfield. Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba are all among the names in

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

This strategy is coherent on both football and financial fronts. United want greater control in midfield and more natural width, and all three midfield targets tick complementary boxes.

Elliot Anderson offers thrust and press resistance. He carries through contact, links quickly in tight areas and has the engine to join second-phase runs. His development at Newcastle has included minutes as an 8 and off the left 8 lane, which suits United’s need for an extra runner who can change tempo without losing structure.

Adam Wharton has the calm United often lack when the game speeds up. At Palace he has shown maturity beyond his years - scanning early, breaking lines with quick, flat passes and closing space efficiently. He profiles as a high-IQ pivot who can partner a ball-winner or operate as a single 6 against mid-blocks. His South London schooling means he rarely panics under pressure.

Carlos Baleba brings athletic ball-winning and aggressive field coverage. At Brighton he steps into duels, recovers ground after turnovers and carries to break first lines. He would instantly lift United’s defensive intensity and transition protection. A Baleba-Wharton pairing balances power and distribution, while Anderson adds carry and chance creation from the half-space.

On the flanks, United’s interest in a true wing-back reflects a potential shift toward a back three option in certain matches. A left-sided profile who can burst beyond the winger and deliver early would stretch low blocks - exactly where United often stall. The plan aligns with PSR considerations: selling fringe pieces to create headroom, then investing in younger, Premier League-tested assets who hold value.

Reaction

Supporters are split, but the trend line is optimistic. Many are pushing hard for immediate midfield action, pointing out the gap is more like three midfielders than one. Others have zeroed in on the names, with calls to bring in Elliot Anderson getting louder - the idea of a high-energy 8 who can actually carry through pressure has made sense to fans for months.

There’s also some fatigue at the familiar “assessing and monitoring” language. A vocal section wants proof in January, not just positioning for the summer. The club’s playful nod toward South London has drawn knowing winks, with Palace’s Wharton the obvious inference. Meanwhile, a few worry Brighton will dig in over Baleba, which is realistic - Brighton always sell on their terms.

On the wing-back front, the community chatter has centered on upgrading crossing and recovery pace on the left. Some are protective of Dalot’s improvements on the right but still want an out-and-out flank runner to change the geometry of United’s attacks. Overall mood: cautious belief that the club finally has a joined-up plan - but with a hard demand for early execution.

Social reactions

Assessing FC Admirers FC Monitoring FC Any sane management will know that a Midfielder in January is a must. Ineos better do some transfers in January or lose their investment without another year of CL next season.

Not a Random Guy (@randomguyhji)

Elliot Anderson or Stiller

Brahim Iarkani (@b_iarkani)

I hope they realize were about 3 CMs short 1 is no good

Alan Henson (@al_henny)

Prediction

Three pathways are live. Most likely: United secure a modest January addition or a smart loan to stabilise midfield depth, then push hard in early summer for one of the marquee names. Wharton feels the cleanest fit from a tactical and age profile standpoint, and Palace would likely ask for a strong premium. If United move quickly and include achievable add-ons, that can get done before preseason.

Second scenario: Brighton resist on Baleba unless the bid reflects long runway value. United may keep that option warm while advancing Anderson, whose minutes trajectory at Newcastle could shape the fee. With the right sell-on and performance structure, this is viable if United open talks before the market inflates.

Wing-back: a left-sided option from Serie A and an athletic Premier League-based profile are being studied. Expect United to prioritise a two-phase runner with recovery speed, not just a crosser. A move here pairs naturally with a midfield signing that improves build-up. Timelines I’m hearing point to groundwork in spring, formal bids in early June and a push to have at least one deal sealed before the summer tour.

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Conclusion

This is the clearest United recruitment brief in years: energise midfield, add a natural wing-back threat and do it with players who can grow into leadership roles. Wharton, Baleba and Anderson form a sensible matrix - control, power and carry. That blend gives the coaching staff multiple shapes without endless compromises. The wage-bill reset and a top-six push underpin the numbers, which keeps United competitive in Premier League-internal negotiations.

I’ve sat through too many windows where the plan changed with the wind. This one feels different because the profiles align with how United want to attack - quicker circulation, more vertical carries, better counter-press cover and width that pins full-backs. If the club executes early, United start 2025-26 with an engine room that finally looks modern and a flank option that turns sterile possession into chances. My call: at least one of Wharton or Anderson gets over the line, a wing-back follows, and the squad looks faster, braver and much harder to play through.