Manchester United put Elliot Anderson top of midfield list as Baleba and Wharton remain in frame

Manchester United have sharpened their midfield shortlist, with Elliot Anderson emerging as a priority target after a run of standout displays for Nottingham Forest and recent involvement with England. Carlos Baleba stays high on the agenda despite a dip in form at Brighton, while Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton continues to be admired for his calm control and vision. United’s recruitment team, reshaped under INEOS, want a hybrid 6-8 who can carry, press and pass through lines. The expectation inside the market is that at least one of these profiles is pursued aggressively in the next window if valuations align.

The situation develops against the backdrop of United’s ongoing recruitment reset under INEOS, with regular cross-department meetings between scouting, data and coaching staff. Continuous live scouting in Premier League fixtures and England camps has sharpened the order of preference, with internal reports highlighting Anderson’s versatility, Baleba’s ceiling and Wharton’s distribution. Financial planning and homegrown quotas are also being weighed ahead of the next window.

🚨 NEW: Carlos Baleba - despite his drop off in form this season, the 21-year-old remains prominent on United’s list. Elliot Anderson - has emerged as a PRIMARY focus of attention after a series of impressive displays for Nottingham Forest and England. Adam Wharton - is also

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

United’s renewed focus on a modern midfield triangle has clear tactical logic. The current squad has lacked a consistent first-phase passer who can resist pressure and accelerate play, especially in away matches and under mid-block traps. Adam Wharton offers that metronome quality from deep, with progressive passing and calm reception angles that reduce turnovers. Elliot Anderson brings versatility - an 8 who can drop as a second pivot, slide to the left half-space and carry through contact, which suits United’s need for vertical thrust and counterpress triggers. Carlos Baleba is the high-upside bet: elite ball-winning metrics when in rhythm, plus the stride to break lines by carrying, though decision-making and tempo control still fluctuate.

From a squad-building angle, all three fit the age curve United are rebuilding around, while also improving the homegrown balance if Anderson or Wharton arrive. Market dynamics matter. Brighton typically sell from a position of strength, so Baleba would command a premium. Palace are well protected on Wharton after his rapid rise, so a structured fee with add-ons may be required. Forest’s PSR posture could open a path on Anderson at the right number, though his importance there is growing. Land one, and United stabilize the base. Land two, and the rebuild accelerates into a coherent identity with rotation depth.

Reaction

Fan sentiment tilts strongly toward Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. The logic is consistent: Anderson “ticks every box” as a high-energy, technically secure 8 who can play multiple roles without dropping the passing standard. Many argue Wharton should be paired with him to finally give United a calm controller who takes the sting out of chaotic phases. A recurring theme appears in supporter chatter - priority should be Anderson and Wharton, with Baleba viewed as a higher-variance play based on recent form and confidence.

There’s also a healthy dose of realism. Some call landing two of the three a stretch, but not impossible if sales and smart structuring align. Others emphasize that the profile is more important than the name - a press-resistant passer first, then an athletic carrier who can win second balls. A few remain bullish on Baleba’s ceiling, pointing out his age and Brighton’s track record developing midfielders. Overall mood: optimistic, impatient, and aligned on the need to fix the middle of the pitch decisively.

Social reactions

I know Man UTD will definitely bring the 3 to OT.. Ugarte, Case going

R.A (@Alrasheed77)

Baleba: still only 21, already bossing Prem midfields last season. Bit of a sophomore dip but the tools are screaming “future Casemiro replacement with actual legs”. Still high on the list for a reason. Elliot Anderson PRIMARY target now? Love it. Geordie engine, presses like a

UTD Prince (@StretfordPrince)

Watchout for united going for rabiot in summer at 400k a week...fuckers

Utkarsh (@ParkerToonix)

Prediction

Short term, Anderson will draw the heaviest internal debate because he solves multiple problems at once: energy, coverage, ball carry, and homegrown quota. Expect exploratory conversations to test Forest’s stance and valuation, with add-ons and sell-on mechanisms likely in any proposal. If Forest soften, United move quickly. If not, they pivot to Wharton, where Palace’s firmness means a more elaborate structure - higher guaranteed fee spread over term plus performance triggers - would be needed. Baleba remains the opportunistic play should Brighton open the door or if United see value in a development arc under tightly defined responsibilities.

The broader scenario hinges on outgoings. If United can tidy the wage bill and raise funds with one or two sales, the two-signing dream becomes real. Tactically, a Wharton-Anderson pairing transforms build-up quality and counterpress compactness, with Bruno or Mount rotating ahead. If only one arrives, Anderson gives the most immediate two-phase impact, while Wharton provides long-run stability. Timeline outlook: groundwork now, decisive moves early in the next window to avoid auctions. United want this solved before preseason to bed patterns early.

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Conclusion

United’s shortlist finally looks like a plan instead of a patch. Anderson as the priority says a lot about the direction: intensity plus control, not one or the other. Wharton brings a cool head at the base, the kind of rhythm United have missed since their best stretches under a deeper playmaker. Baleba is the high-ceiling bet if the price and development plan align. Under INEOS, the club is targeting fit, age, and resale logic - and the profiles here check out.

Deals of this size always hinge on timing and negotiation posture, but the pathway is clear. If United close on Anderson, they get a plug-and-play 8 who can protect transitions and speed circulation. If they add Wharton, the spine settles and the rest of the structure breathes. Even one of them moves the needle. Two would be a statement that the midfield era is changing at Old Trafford - finally with a blueprint that matches the demands of modern Premier League football.