One position which Manchester United look guaranteed to bolster in 2026 is midfield, with potentially a completely new midfield being planned.
Ruben Amorim’s system has one big weakness right now, that being midfield, and as a result some of the best young midfielders in Europe are being considered as an addition.
Manchester United already have a shortlist of midfielders drawn up which includes some ultra talented players.
Angelo Stiller is wanted by United, however, United also have eyes on domestic targets to follow on from the brilliant signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
This has seen Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson heavily linked with United, and both would be massive upgrades in the midfield.
However, in Carrington right now there are two prospects who have the potential to become vital to the first-team.
Manchester United could have ready made alternatives to Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson
United’s academy has been criminally underused over the past few years, but with the U21 side dominating their age group, the future looks bright.
This extends to midfield, with Jim Thwaites and Jayce Fitzgerald both showing impressive levels as they get better and better.
If given a chance over the next year, United could find they don’t need to spend hundreds of millions on midfielders, with the academy already home to solutions.
Thwaites and Fitzgerald could be future England internationals and have the skillset to succeed at the highest level, possessing similar traits to the type of players Ineos are mulling over massive money bids to sign.
What are Jayce Fitzgerald and Jim Thwaites’ strengths and weaknesses?
Despite not being at the same levels currently, United need to start giving youngsters time to grow into the world class players they can be again.
Thwaites is a prime example of this, kicking on massively over the past two seasons and establishing himself as arguably the best midfield prospect at the club.
United are very excited about Thwaites and rightly so, with his game resembling a mix of Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Xavi Hernandez, which makes for a brilliant player.
Thwaites is excellent at picking up the ball and dictating play, but he also has the tenacity and intensity to win balls back and do the dirty work. He is also surprisingly strong for his stature.
Fitzgerald is similar, being excellent technically, has a great engine and also impressive vision.
Last season, Fitzgerald spent time at centre-back which has improved the physical side to his game, meaning he might suit being the more combative of this possible pairing.
Both are top talents and United should be looking to bring both through this season either as an alternative to the big money options, or to complement them.
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