3 winners and 4 losers as Man Utd decide on two transfers Ruben Amorim has to make

Manchester United have identified their priority position in the 2026 summer transfer window and their business will affect the futures of multiple players who are already at Old Trafford

Manchester United want to sign TWO midfielders in the next summer transfer window, signalling a major overhaul of the Red Devils' engine room. Mirror Football understands that Ruben Amorim and United's recruitment team have prioritised the centre of the park as somewhere that will need addressing at the end of this season.

Old Trafford chiefs already tested the water for Brighton's £100million-rated Carlos Baleba back in August and the Cameroon international remains on their wish-list. That's alongside Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who's set to be a key part of England's midfield at the 2026 World Cup.

Should United get their way and sign both players, there'll no-doubt be repercussions for those who are already part of Amorim's squad, particularly the midfielders. Amorim has relied on a duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes for most of this season, very much a short-term fix.

Casemiro's contract expires in June while Fernandes hasn't ruled out a move away. Therefore, Amorim's midfield could look drastically different this time next year.

Mirror Football looks at the winners and losers if United were to bring in two midfielders.

Loser - Casemiro

Judging by United's plan to sign not one but two midfielders, it'd be a surprise to sign Casemiro to a new contract. The Brazilian is one of their highest earners and 33, his time at Old Trafford is likely coming to an end.

Even if he were to stay by signing a short-term deal, likely on significantly lower wages, Baleba and Anderson would eat up most the minutes and prevent Casemiro from playing as regularly. The former Real Madrid stalwart certainly still has something to offer Amorim but he doesn't fit the profile of player which United are after.

Winner - Bruno Fernandes

Although Fernandes has hinted that he'll re-evaluate his future after the World Cup, extra options in midfield would allow the United captain to play in a more natural role further forward. Fernandes, 31, is currently being used in a deeper position and isn't able to put up the same volume of of goals and assists that we're used to.

But with Anderson and Baleba behind, he'd have license to play in one of Amorim's two No.10 slots and strut his stuff in the attack. That's if the Portugal star he stays, of course.

Which midfielders should Manchester United sign next summer? Let us know your picks in the comments section.

Loser - Kobbie Mainoo

On the surface, Mainoo is an obvious loser in this scenario. The 20-year-old is already out of favour under Amorim and wanted to leave on loan before the end of the last summer window.

Mainoo would be pushed further down the pecking order by Anderson and Baleba's arrivals - but could that actually be a good thing for him? Surely then United would sanction his departure and their academy graduate can begin a new chapter away from his boyhood club, where his career has stalled.

Winner - Mason Mount

Similarly to Fernandes, Mount hasn't been used in his natural position all that often by Amorim. His intelligence and work rate mean that he's a capable midfielder in the Red Devils' system, but the ex-Chelsea man will believe that he can offer a lot more.

With the No.7 on his back, Mount will be hungry for goals and assists in a more attack-minded role at Old Trafford. Being used higher up the pitch - and potentially without Fernandes to compete with - could be what he's been waiting for.

Loser - Manuel Ugarte

Despite thriving under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, Ugarte hasn't been good enough at United. Still yet to acclimatise to the Premier League, the Uruguayan finds himself struggling for regular game-time like Mainoo.

Like after his move to Paris Saint-Germain, Ugarte hasn't hit the heights expected of him and he'll be a candidate to leave Old Trafford as soon as January. Amorim reportedly slammed the 24-year-old in the wake of last season's Europa League final, criticising his efforts and accusing him of getting comfortable following his big move to Paris in 2023.

Winner - Ruben Amorim

How could we forget the manager? It's been reported on multiple occasions that Amorim wants more athleticism in his midfield, hence targeting Anderson and Baleba.

The addition of two Premier League-proven players would be ideal for the Portuguese, whose stuttering rebuild is starting to show signs of life. With Anderson 23 and Baleba 21, Amorim's midfield future-proof and put them on track for long-term success.

Loser - Toby Collyer

Finally, a player who Amorim took a liking to last season. Collyer regularly featured in United's matchday squads and across his 13 appearances, glimpses of the 21-year-old's talent could be seen.

Now on loan at West Brom, Collyer is gaining experience and hopes to return to Old Trafford with a genuine chance of being a starter. But the signings of Anderson and Baleba would change the landscape and he'll face an uphill battle to stake his claim.