Manchester United are preparing early plans for 2026, tracking Angelo Stiller and Manu Koné as key midfield targets
Manchester United have started shaping their plans for 2026 with a clear focus on the midfield. The club’s recruitment team, according to Graeme Bailey’s exclusive report, as relayed by CaughtOffside, have already begun assessing players who could shape the next stage of their rebuild. While the board have ruled out setting any formal shortlist before next summer, the staff continue discussing their options behind the scenes. United’s scouts are studying several names closely. Angelo Stiller and Manu Koné have already caught their attention.
Bailey said both players have impressed United’s decision-makers. They view them as strong fits for the system they plan to develop in the next phase of planning. Interestingly, Koné’s current setup mirrors the style Ruben Amorim uses in his 3-4-3 formation.
That similarity strengthens United’s admiration for him. However, Koné and Stiller have no plans to move in January. Both want to secure places in their respective national squads for next summer’s World Cup. They prioritise international duty over a winter transfer. Bailey hinted that both players could make the move in 2026.
“United are busy assessing and putting together their plans for 2026 and midfield is an area we know is somewhere they have major plans for. The club are actively working on this and are dismissing the notion of any shortlist ahead of next summer.
Angelo Stiller and Manu Kone are two players that United are already well versed on, they like them both and are keeping close tabs on them. They are both huge talents and there are little doubts that they would be good fits.
Interesting to note that Kone particularly is playing in a system very similar to one which Ruben Amorim deploys.
One thing with these two players, neither of them are looking to move in January – they are both fully focused on making the World Cup finals next summer for their respective nations and neither would be willing to risk that with a move in January window.
But keep an eye on these two, good chance both will be on the move in 2026.”
This long-term planning fits with United’s wider approach. The club now wants to avoid mid-season disruptions. They understand the importance of timing after recent windows. We reported earlier that Bryan Mbeumo is playing an integral role in helping Manchester United land midfield target Carlos Baleba.
That update shows how the club’s network continues working quietly behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have quit the race for Manchester United target Adam Wharton. That decision will give United a clearer path to refine their future shortlist. These moves show a strategy focused on control, patience, and readiness for the next chapter.
Why Koné fits Amorim’s tactical vision?
Manu Koné has shown a mix of both strength and technical quality. His time at Roma has helped him grow into a midfielder who drives the game both defensively and offensively. With his strong frame and dribbling skills, the Frenchman carries the ball through tight spaces. The 24-year-old links defence with attack and wins duels confidently. He presses with intent and breaks up play with sharp anticipation.
In Amorim’s tactical setup, Koné will fit perfectly as a box-to-box midfielder in the central two. He will use his energy and defensive discipline to adapt well with a creative partner beside him. He is accurate with his passes and keeps the ball moving smoothly. The 24-year-old’s quick decisions will help Amorim’s sides stay compact and control possession. He suits a system that values intensity while keeping composure, as he stays calm under pressure, beats the press, and keeps transitions flowing.
If United sign him in 2026, they will add more than just a midfielder, as he looks ready to shape their midfield for years. The Frenchman’s presence can bring both pace and balance to the structure that United want in their next era.