Manchester United are on the verge of a swift double deal this summer — but two of their most talked‑about midfield targets have slipped down the list.
Michael Carrick, rewarded with a permanent role after guiding his former club to a top‑four finish, will begin his first pre‑season as manager next week without a single new signing. That is about to change. Atalanta midfielder Ederson is expected to become a United player in due course, his £35m move awaiting only the end of Brazil’s World Cup 2026 campaign before it is confirmed.
“Man Utd set for £35m Ederson deal but cool on Baleba and Wharton as midfield targets.”
A second midfielder is also anticipated, but emerging reports suggest it will not be Brighton’s Carlos Baleba or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. According to the Manchester Evening News, although Baleba was admired by United last summer, little movement has occurred this window because Brighton have not dropped their £100m asking price despite an underwhelming season. On Wharton, the trail has gone even colder: United view the Palace star as too similar to Kobbie Mainoo to play alongside him in a two‑man midfield.
Instead, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is now supposedly at the top of the club’s midfield wishlist, while Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni has been admired for several months and Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha also has a fan in the director of football.
Away from the first‑team, United are expected to sign Wales under‑21 goalkeeper Kit Margetson from Swansea City. The 19‑year‑old, son of former England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, will cost a compensation fee and is then expected to be loaned out to an EFL club this summer to gain first‑team experience. Margetson joined Swansea at under‑15 level, has not made a senior appearance, and spent last season on loan at Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Elsewhere, the BBC’s Friday gossip round‑up also links United with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba — a 22‑year‑old Cameroon international — after they missed out on Mateus Fernandes. Arsenal remain determined to sign Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, believing a £60m package is still possible, and are also interested in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have identified former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, now at Marseille, as a replacement for Julian Alvarez, who is wanted by Barcelona.