Who Man United could sacrifice in January to bankroll Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson double swoop
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In 2026, Manchester United are expected to place greater focus on bolstering their midfield.
After last summer’s transfer activity, United now possess a fairly solid attack and defence. However, continued slip‑ups in midfield recruitment across recent transfer windows have left that department exposed as a clear point of weakness.
At the moment, it seems head coach Ruben Amorim can only truly rely on Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte remain alternative options, but neither has earned the Portuguese tactician’s trust for a key role.
Over‑reliance on Casemiro, now 33, and Fernandes, 31, is simply unsustainable. As Amorim’s system demands relentless athleticism, with midfielders running like mad dogs, it goes without saying that United must inject youthful energy into the heart of their side.
Transfer gossip has already linked the club with such profiles. Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba (who was their top target for summer 2025) continue to feature prominently in the rumour mill.
Identifying potential recruits is easy, but the real concern lies in whether United can actually pull off those deals. A double swoop for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Anderson would undoubtedly come at a hefty price.
INEOS ponder Fernandes sale
INEOS are well aware that a significant investment will be required to land the duo. That is why, according to Mark Brus of Caught Offside, the United decision makers are prepared to make a major sacrifice to make it happen.
Brus explains: “Manchester United seem increasingly open to cashing in on Bruno Fernandes, who remains a target for Saudi Pro League clubs, with Al Hilal and Al Ittihad showing strong interest.”
Fernandes out, Baleba and Anderson in
If United were to sell Fernandes, their most marketable asset, at around £70 million, Brus adds:
“With United targeting ambitious signings in midfield such as Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, it seems Fernandes has been identified as someone worth cashing in on to help fund those moves.”
Of course, offloading Fernandes would be controversial. He remains one of the few capable of turning a game on its head, as demonstrated by his “complete performance” against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Bruno Fernandes’ stats versus Wolves
MetricValue
Goals2
Expected goals (xG)1.24
Assists1
Expected assists (xA)0.85
Big chances created4
Key passes5
Crosses (accurate)5 (1)
Accurate passes53/64 (83%)
Passes in opposition half (acc.)33/43 (77%)
Passes in own half (acc.)20/21 (95%)
Long balls (accurate)3/6 (50%)
Total shots5
Expected goals on target (xGOT)1.12
Shots on target2
Shots blocked3
Touches83
Unsuccessful touches1
Dribbles (successful)0 (0)
Was fouled2
Possession lost19
Tackles (won)1 (1)
Interceptions0
Clearances0
Blocked shots0
Recoveries7
Ground duels (won)5 (3)
Aerial duels (won)6 (2)
Brave but necessary sacrifice
Yet, acquiring two Premier League‑proven midfielders who could slot seamlessly into Amorim’s starting XI would represent a bold and necessary overhaul. Therefore, cashing in on an influential figure like Fernandes ultimately becomes easier to rationalise.
It may be a difficult decision, but for Amorim’s project to reach its peak, sacrifices of this magnitude may prove unavoidable. And who knows, swapping Fernandes for Anderson and Baleba could ultimately be a masterstroke.
Should the duo hit their stride, United’s midfield would be set for years to come.
Featured image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images
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