The 10 midfielders who should be on Manchester United's summer shortlist

Photo: Newcastle United

With a pivotal summer approaching at Old Trafford, Manchester United are staring at the need for a midfield rebuild.

The confirmed departure of Casemiro, alongside uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte, leaves a clear gap in both defensive stability and ball progression in midfield. Add the increased demands of UEFA Champions League football and the probability - one would hope so - for more domestic cup football, there is a greater need for depth, athleticism, and technical quality the midfield department.

United have been linked with a number of midfielders in recent months, and the rumours are set to increase as we appreciate the summer transfer window.

Therefore, here are the 10 midfielders who should be firmly on United's radar this summer, in no particular order.

1) Bruno Guimaraes - Newcastle United

If United are looking for a ready-made midfield leader, then Bruno Guimaraes stands out as one of the most complete options in the Premier League.

The Brazilian combines elite ball progression with defensive intelligence and leadership qualities, and he also possesses a great ability to dictate tempo. Guimaraes also contributes defensively, making him an ideal successor to Casemiro, albeit with a more modern, dynamic profile.

Guimaraes has reportedly been recommended to the club by Casemiro himself, and there have been rumours linking him to United. However, it remains to be seen if he really fits the profile of transfer that the INEOS hierarchy are looking for, given he is 28 and would probably require a significant transfer fee.

2) Carlos Baleba - Brighton

Carlos Baleba is a midfielder United were heavily linked with last summer, particularly given the fact he would have perfectly fit in Ruben Amorim's high-energy midfield.

Photo: Brighton

The Cameroonian midfielder is still developing, and there has been a significant downturn in performances this season when compared to the previous campaign, but he possesses elite ball-winning ability and carries the ball powerfully through midfield.

Brighton have a very good track record of developing players, and he represents a very intriguing long-term investment for United.

The only downside is that he is not really having an excellent campaign after being linked to United, so it remains to be seen whether he would do well when in a United shirt.

3) Sandro Tonali - Newcastle United

Another option from Premier League rivals Newcastle, but the Italian offers a slightly different profile to Guimaraes.

Sandro Tonali is more of a deep-lying playmaker with tactical discipline, while also offering plenty of legs in midfield. He has become one of the league's best midfielders when it comes to position, his passing range, as well as composure under pressure. These qualities could bring more balance to United's midfield.

If he is deployed correctly, he could anchor play while allowing more advanced midfielders like Bruno Fernandes to flourish.

Tonali is reportedly eyeing a move away from Newastle due to the absence of Champions League football next season, and while the Magpies would want a huge fee, he could be one worth taking a punt on.

4) Joao Gomes - Wolves

Joao Gomes has quietly become one of the Premier League's most effective ball-winning midfielders, even if he is playing for the league's bottom-of-the-table club.

The Brazilian has become a reliable midfielder for Wolves, particularly due to his aggression, stamina, defensive awareness and ball progression, all qualities that would add much-needed steel to United's midfield.

He may not be the most glamorous option given he plays for a club set for relegation, but his ability to disrupt opposition play is invaluable. He is set to go down this season, but Gomes will most likely not be playing Championship football next season, and United should definitely be targeting him.

5) Ayyoub Bouaddi - Lille

One of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe, Ayyoub Bouaddi is a technical and intelligent operator beyond his years.

Photo: LOSC Lille

Bouaddi, despite being just 18, is excellent in tight spaces and shows a maturity beyond his age when it comes to decision-making, suggesting he could develop into a top-level midfielder.

United would need to move early to secure his signature, but they would also need to couple his signing with another midfielder, particularly since he is quite similar to Kobbie Mainoo in terms of play style.

6) Elliot Anderson - Nottingham Forest

The standout option, and the one that essentially most fans want - Elliot Anderson.

The Nottingham Forest man brings excellent work rate and brilliant vision and creativity on the ball. The Englishman is comfortable playing across the midfield, and offers energy, pressing ability, and a willingness to drive forward with the ball.

Photo: Nottingham Forest

He is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the league, and whenever he has played against United he has excelled, looking confident and assured on and off the ball.

Anderson would command a huge fee and he has lots of suitors, but he would definitely be an upgrade on United's current midfield.

7) Adam Wharton - Crystal Palace

Another England international, and another excellent option.

Adam Wharton is one of the most exciting English midfielders to emerge in recent years, particularly for his qualities on the ball. His composure, passing range, and positional intelligence make him a natural deep-lying playmaker.

Wharton would bring a level of control and calmness that United have often lacked in midfield, especially when faced with low blocks.

Similarly to Anderson, Wharton is heavily sought after and would require a significant transfer fee, but he would be another brilliant signing.

8) Angelo Stiller - VfB Stuttgart

Angelo Stiller is a technically gifted midfielder who excels in dictating play from deep, similarly to Wharton.

Photo: VfB Stuttgart

The German has become known for his passing accuracy and vision, allowing him to control games, and he has consistently developed into one of the Bundesliga's top midfielders.

He could provide the kind of metronomic presence United have been missing, all for a relatively cheaper fee than Wharton or Anderson.

Last summer, we penned an article on why Stiller could be the ideal alternative for Baleba. While we had written the article with an Amorim midfield in mind, Stiller definitely has the ability to fit in a Michael Carrick - or any other manager's - midfield.

9) Hayden Hackney - Middlesbrough

Hayden Hackney is a promising young midfielder who has a well-rounded skill set.

The Middlesbrough man combines defensive work with forward passing, also making late runs into the penalty area.

While the step-up from the Championship could be a challenge, his potential makes him a worthwhile gamble, especially if coupled with another, more experienced, midfield signing.

Photo: Middlesbrough

With the Carrick connection, this could be a very viable option for United.

10) Ederson - Atalanta

The final player in our list is Atalanta's Ederson, a midfielder who offers a blend of physicality, technical ability, and on-the-ball intelligence.

His performances both in Serie A and in European competitions have highlighted his ability to operate in both defensive and box-to-box roles. The Brazilian would add significant versatility and intensity to United's midfield options.

Ederson is a name that has been previously linked to United, and while he may not be the most glamorous option, he would be a sound addition to the team.

Our picks: Anderson, Stiller and Hackney

In our opinion, United need a minimum of two midfielders this summer, given the departures of Casemiro and Ugarte, leaving Mainoo as the only real option in midfield. Getting three midfielders in would be absolutely perfect.

For us, the perfect summer would be getting Anderson as a first-team option alongside Mainoo, and then having Stiller and Hackney in the squad to rotate with them.

United's rebuild is not just about replacing outgoing players, but it is about shifting towards players who are not only technically proficient but also tactically flexible and physically capable of handling relentless schedules.

This shortlist reflects a mix of proven quality and emerging talent. Whether United opt for experience, youth, or a combination of both, this summer will be crucial in shaping the club's future in midfield - and ultimately, their ability to compete at the highest level.