Ranking Manchester United's Ten Midfield Transfer Targets from Best to Worst

Manchester United's midfield is poised for a significant overhaul next season. With Casemiro nearing the end of his contract and uncertainties surrounding the futures of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, the club faces crucial decisions regarding its engine room.

The Red Devils have been linked with numerous prominent midfielders, suggesting that a completely new central trio could grace Old Trafford next season.

While previous analyses have explored potential lineups with a few key additions, Manchester United's list of midfield targets appears to be even more extensive. To determine the most suitable reinforcements, we've developed a comprehensive ranking based on a 'Transfer Fit' rating system, evaluating factors such as player cost, age, performance, and overall squad need.

Manchester United's Midfield Transfer Targets: A Detailed Ranking

1. Elliot Anderson

Elliot Anderson	TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee	*
Performance	*****
Achievements	***
Career phase	*****
Squad need	*****

Elliot Anderson, despite a potentially significant transfer fee (reportedly £100m+), stands out as one of the Premier League's top midfielders this season. His exceptional form makes him a strong candidate for England's World Cup starting XI, and many elite clubs would likely view his high price tag as a worthy investment.

2. Adam Wharton

Adam Wharton	TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee	*
Performance	*****
Achievements	***
Career phase	*****
Squad need	*****

Adam Wharton is largely on par with Anderson in terms of potential and impact, making a significant summer transfer highly probable. He has impressed greatly at Crystal Palace, and even if slightly behind Anderson in the national team pecking order, United fans would enthusiastically welcome him, despite the expectation of another substantial transfer fee.

3. Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham	TOTAL SCORE: 18/25
Transfer fee	*
Performance	***
Achievements	*****
Career phase	****
Squad need	*****

While Manchester United reportedly aims to retain Bruno Fernandes, planning for a high-profile replacement in case of his departure makes strategic sense. Few names are bigger than Jude Bellingham, who has been linked with an Old Trafford move, though Real Madrid seems unwilling to sell their star midfielder.

4. Mateus Fernandes

Mateus Fernandes	TOTAL SCORE: 15/25
Transfer fee	***
Performance	***
Achievements	*
Career phase	*****
Squad need	****

Mateus Fernandes has been linked with United following an impressive season at West Ham. His transfer fee might be more manageable than some others on this list, particularly if the Hammers face relegation. He is young with significant room for improvement, though he lacks the experience of some of United's other rumored targets.

5. Bruno Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes	TOTAL SCORE: 13/25
Transfer fee	*
Performance	***
Achievements	***
Career phase	**
Squad need	****

Reports suggest United is in advanced talks to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. While the Brazilian is undoubtedly a top-tier player, his approaching 29th birthday next season raises questions about whether he represents the absolute best long-term option available.

6. Morgan Gibbs White

Morgan Gibbs White	TOTAL SCORE: 12/25
Transfer fee	*
Performance	***
Achievements	*
Career phase	***
Squad need	****

Morgan Gibbs White has had another solid season for Nottingham Forest and appears capable of making an impact at a larger club. While perhaps not quite at the elite level United desires, he represents a perfectly respectable addition if more high-profile targets prove unattainable.

7. Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali	TOTAL SCORE: 11/25
Transfer fee	–
Performance	**
Achievements	**
Career phase	***
Squad need	****

With a 'Transfer Fit' score of 11/25, the substantial transfer fee likely required for Sandro Tonali appears difficult to justify. While the Italy international has been a key performer for Newcastle, he doesn't possess the outstanding qualities needed to significantly elevate the current Manchester United squad.

8. Joao Gomes

Joao Gomes	TOTAL SCORE: 10/25
Transfer fee	**
Performance	*
Achievements	**
Career phase	**
Squad need	***

Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes could be a medium-tier option for consideration. However, his performance as part of a struggling Wolves side, which looks destined for relegation after a run of poor form, makes it challenging to envision him as being quite good enough for United.

9. Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba	TOTAL SCORE: 9/25
Transfer fee	–
Performance	**
Achievements	*
Career phase	***
Squad need	***

Carlos Baleba's score would have been higher previously, and might yet be again, but his form has noticeably declined this season. Brighton would likely still demand a substantial fee for a young player with clear potential, but acquiring him now would represent a significant gamble.

10. Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams	TOTAL SCORE: 9/25
Transfer fee	**
Performance	*
Achievements	*
Career phase	**
Squad need	***

Tyler Adams has been linked with United and other major clubs due to his potential availability at a lower cost this summer. While he could serve as a useful backup option, it's difficult to see him as a primary target for a club with Manchester United's ambitions.