Manchester United may have spent heavily during the summer window, but reports suggest Ruben Amorim is already planning further reinforcement in the heart of midfield.

According to TEAMtalk, United have a “huge double signing” strategy mapped out, with moves lined up for January and the summer of 2026.

United’s midfield struggles continue

Despite a £230m outlay in the summer that brought in Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United remain vulnerable in central areas.

Their inability to land Brighton’s Carlos Baleba – who was priced at close to £100m – left a gap that has yet to be filled.

Amorim’s side has been too easy to play through in the early part of the campaign, and the Portuguese coach is pushing for a stronger midfield unit to implement his system effectively.

Elliot Anderson targeted in January

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has emerged as United’s priority for the winter window.

The 21-year-old has impressed both at club level and in his England appearances, where he recently turned in a man-of-the-match performance.

Former chief scout Mick Brown explained why United view Anderson so highly:

“He’s done a tremendous job at Nottingham Forest and then he’s come into the England side and turned in a man-of-the-match performance. United see him as exactly the type of midfielder they would like to bring in. He gets up and down the park, he’s confident and secure in possession, and he’s not afraid to put in a tackle.”

Forest are reluctant to lose Anderson, particularly mid-season, but the managerial change at the City Ground – with Ange Postecoglou replacing Nuno – could alter the situation. United are keeping a close watch on how things unfold.

Baleba remains the long-term dream

While Anderson is the immediate target, United still have their sights set on Carlos Baleba.

Despite being priced out in the summer, Amorim’s staff have not cooled their interest and plan to return in 2026. The Brighton midfielder remains their “dream signing” to complete the rebuild in midfield.

Building the midfield of the future

If United succeed in landing both Anderson and Baleba, Amorim would finally have the kind of robust, mobile and technically secure midfield core he has been pushing for.

Anderson could bring the energy and versatility in January, while Baleba would add dynamism and ball-carrying quality in the summer.

Such a double swoop would also underline United’s shift towards targeting younger midfielders who can grow into key roles over the long term, rather than relying on short-term fixes.