Manchester United are keen to build a dynasty under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to up their pursuit of an exciting midfielder who could come in to bolster their ranks in 2026.

Man Utd aim to build consistency in Premier League

Last weekend’s victory over Liverpool had a transformational feel for supporters of the Red Devils for several reasons, though the biggest one may arguably be winning back-to-back matches for the first time since Amorim’s arrival.

Frustrating early-season performances and a lack of consistency have left many questioning Manchester United’s bottle in their quest to climb the Premier League table.

However, Devils’ Advocate podcast host Gaz Drinkwater believes his side could find themselves in the top six come the end of the season if the Red Devils can continue to tick off difficult fixtures.

He said via BBC Sport: “With the squad and with performances like that, we could be up there in the top six. Our squad is good enough to finish top six. It is. That should be the minimum requirement for this season.

“And if we’re in the top six and we’re looking comfortable and showing that we’re capable of never mind back-to-back wins in a row but three or four wins in a row, then who knows where we can finish.”

Looking ahead to 2026, transfer windows will offer a vehicle for Amorim to strengthen his squad, and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is being lined up by Manchester United as a potential replacement for Kobbie Mainoo if the latter is sold.

Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet is another target for the Red Devils, illustrating that the engine room is a recruitment priority, and another name spoken about within the corridors of Old Trafford has now come to light.

Man Utd now keen on Chelsea star Andrey Santos

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United are keen on bringing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos to Old Trafford if he becomes available in 2026. The Blues are reluctant to sell the 21-year-old, so it remains to be seen if the Red Devils’ lure can play a part in swaying him to swap London for Manchester.

The Brazil international, who thrived on loan at Strasbourg last season, was the subject of interest from Bayern Munich and Al-Qasdiah during the summer as a result of his form in Ligue 1, where manager Liam Rosenior claimed he was already “world class”.

Known to idolise Casemiro and possessing an eerily similar playing style, Santos has registered one assist in nine appearances across all competitions this term and has shown himself to be a reliable ball-winner in the engine room, coming out on top in 15 duels this season, per Fotmob.

Gallagher, Stiller and Adam Wharton are also on Manchester United’s radar, though it will remain to be seen who they manage to land in their quest to build a midfield capable of helping Amorim challenge for major honours over the coming years at the English giants.