October 11, 2025
As the October international break winds down, Manchester United's transfer radar is lighting up with speculation. With Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system demanding more dynamism in the engine room, the Red Devils are reportedly prioritizing a central midfielder and a right wing-back for the January window. Amid a rocky start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign—sitting mid-table after four games—the club's hierarchy is wasting no time plotting reinforcements. Leading the charge? Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, two young guns poised to inject fresh energy into Old Trafford's midfield.
Baleba: The Cameroonian Prodigy United Can't Ignore
At just 21, Carlos Baleba has become the poster boy for Manchester United's scouting network. The Cameroon international has been a revelation at Brighton since his £20m move from Getafe in 2023, anchoring the Seagulls' midfield with a blend of tenacity, vision, and progressive passing that screams "future star." United's interest isn't new—scouts have been embedded at the Amex Stadium all season—but recent reports suggest the club is ready to pounce, regardless of Amorim's long-term future.
"Baleba is viewed as the ideal midfielder for the club's future," sources close to the negotiations told TEAMtalk. His market value hovers around £40m, a bargain for a player who's already rivaled the likes of Kylian Mbappé in terms of hype during his breakout campaigns. Baleba's ability to shield the back three while breaking lines forward aligns perfectly with Amorim's high-pressing philosophy, making him a no-brainer target. United's board, led by technical director Jason Wilcox, sees him as the long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo, potentially forming a midfield axis that could dominate the Premier League for a decade.
But it's not all smooth sailing. Brighton, ever the tough negotiators, won't let their gem go cheaply, and Baleba's international commitments could complicate a mid-season switch. Still, with Casemiro's contract expiring in June 2026 and no renewal on the horizon—Italian giants like Roma, Juventus, Inter, and Milan already circling for a free transfer—United have the wage space to make it happen.
Anderson: Forest's England Ace Ready for the Big Stage
If Baleba is the defensive anchor, Elliot Anderson is the creative spark United crave. The 22-year-old Englishman has been a standout at Nottingham Forest, where his seven assists and two goals in the opening months of the season have lit up the City Ground. A product of Newcastle's academy, Anderson's silky dribbling, eye for a pass, and work rate off the ball make him a versatile fit for Amorim's wing-back hybrid role or as a box-to-box No. 8.
Priced at around £32m—Newcastle hold a sell-on clause that could inflate the fee—Anderson represents smart business for a United side still smarting from the summer's high-profile exits. Reports from CaughtOffside confirm he's "high on the list" alongside Baleba, with the club eyeing a double swoop to overhaul the midfield. Forest, buoyed by their surprise top-six push, will demand top dollar, but Anderson's dream of starring at a "big club" could tip the scales in United's favor.
January Priorities: Midfield Overhaul and Wing-Back Reinforcement
Fabrizio Romano has poured fuel on the fire, revealing United "could look to sign a midfielder in January" as Amorim adapts his system. Graeme Bailey echoes this, pinpointing a central midfielder and right wing-back as the top needs—crucial for a squad that's leaked goals and struggled for width. With Manuel Ugarte still bedding in and Christian Eriksen's release earlier this year leaving a void, the urgency is palpable.
Yet, challenges loom. The summer window's drama—Rashford to Barcelona, Garnacho to Chelsea, Antony to Real Betis, Hojlund and Sancho on loan—has left the attack threadbare, and January budgets will be tight post-FFP scrutiny. Bruno Fernandes' potential £100m Saudi exit in 2026 adds another layer, though United view Mainoo as his heir apparent.
Youth Pipeline: Orozco and Beyond
Amid the big-money talk, United's youth recruitment shines. The club sealed a $1m deal for 17-year-old Colombian sensation Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza, effective summer 2026—a classic low-risk, high-reward move coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio. Senegalese trialist Mouhamed Dabo (17) impressed during a recent stint, with formal talks pending regulations. And in a cheeky nod to fan dreams, RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko was spotted signing a United shirt post-match—fuel for Arsenal's nightmares, perhaps?
The Bigger Picture: Amorim's Vision Takes Shape
Ruben Amorim's arrival promised revolution, but United's sluggish start—four points from four, a shock Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby—has tested patience. Yet, insiders insist the Portuguese tactician retains full backing, with transfers aligned to his 3-4-3 blueprint. Baleba and Anderson aren't just signings; they're the foundation for a counter-attacking resurgence, echoing United's storied history while embracing modernity.
As the window approaches, Old Trafford buzzes with optimism. Will these moves ignite a title charge, or is more upheaval on the cards? One thing's certain: Manchester United's transfer saga is far from over.