October 21, 2025
Manchester United's rollercoaster season under Ruben Amorim took a dramatic turn with a gritty 2-1 victory at Anfield on Sunday, but the post-match headlines are all about the transfer market. As the Red Devils sit mid-table in the Premier League, whispers of a January overhaul are growing louder. With summer signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo earning rave reviews, the focus now shifts to bolstering the midfield—a department exposed in the second half against Liverpool. From Bundesliga bargains to Premier League poaches, here's the latest on United's hottest transfer targets.
Cunha and Mbeumo: The Summer Hits Fueling January Ambition
It's not all doom and gloom at Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha, the £62.5 million Wolves capture, has been a revelation since his July arrival, blending tenacity with flair in Amorim's 3-4-3 system. Fans are already hailing him as United's best post-Ferguson signing, with his viral "beep beep" assist reel from the Liverpool win racking up millions of views. Teammate Bryan Mbeumo, poached from Brentford for £55 million, opened the scoring at Anfield inside two minutes, proving his predatory instincts. These coups have restored faith in the recruitment team, but with the squad still leaking goals and lacking control, Amorim is eyeing reinforcements.
The Portuguese boss, backed by the hierarchy despite a rocky start, has made midfield his priority. "We need balance," Amorim said post-match, hinting at a window that could define his tenure.
Top Targets: Who Could Wear Red This Winter?
United's scouts are in overdrive, with reports suggesting early groundwork for 2026 deals spilling into January. Here's the shortlist buzzing on social media and in the press:
| Player | Current Club | Position | Estimated Fee | Why United? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo Stiller | VfB Stuttgart | Defensive Midfielder | €50m | A "full package" anchor with vision and bite; United join Arsenal and Tottenham in the race. His composure could shield the back three. |
| Elliot Anderson | Nottingham Forest | Central Midfielder | £40-50m | England call-up sparked a bidding war with City and Chelsea. The ex-Newcastle gem offers creativity and work rate—perfect for Amorim's high press. |
| Manu Koné | Roma (on loan from Gladbach) | Box-to-Box Midfielder | €30-40m | Long-term admirers, United are rekindling interest after his Roma form. Tracked for years, he's the dynamic engine the midfield craves. |
| Morten Hjulmand | Sporting CP | Defensive Midfielder | €45m | Amorim's ex-pupil, a no-brainer reunion. BBC reports him on the shortlist for his tenacity and passing range. |
| Endrick (Loan) | Real Madrid | Striker | Loan fee + option | The "next Ronaldo" is reportedly desperate for minutes. A shock January loan could add firepower up top. |
Stiller's €50 million tag from Stuttgart has three Premier League rivals circling, but United's project under Amorim could sway him. Meanwhile, Anderson's Forest form has him on every big club's radar—could United pip City to the post?
Outgoings: Fernandes Future in Doubt, Zirkzee Exit Rumors
It's not just incomings making waves. Captain Bruno Fernandes, 30, is linked with lucrative moves to the MLS or Saudi Pro League next summer, with ESPN suggesting United might cash in to fund the rebuild. Bayern Munich, however, has cooled interest due to his wages. Kobbie Mainoo faces a tug-of-war from Real and Atletico Madrid, but the academy star is "untouchable" for now.
Up front, Joshua Zirkzee's adaptation struggles have West Ham and Roma lurking for a January swoop. And with Senne Lammens impressing in goal after his £18.1m deadline-day switch, Andre Onana's errors might force a rethink.
Fan Frenzy: Social Media Erupts
X (formerly Twitter) is ablaze with optimism. "Cunha's unreal—best since Tevez!" one fan tweeted, while another demanded: "Midfield overhaul NOW after that Liverpool siege." The Anfield win has bought Amorim time, but the consensus? January must deliver.
As the window approaches, United's hierarchy—led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe—promises "smart business." With Cunha and Mbeumo bedding in, a midfield injection could propel them up the table. Will Stiller or Anderson be the coup? Or will Fernandes' potential exit shake the foundations? Stay tuned—the transfer merry-go-round is just revving up.
Follow us for live updates as Manchester United chase glory.
