Manchester United is reportedly keen on bolstering its midfield options during the upcoming winter transfer window, with Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi and AC Milan's Ruben Loftus-Cheek emerging as key targets. The club aims to improve Michael Carrick's chances and boost their push for Champions League qualification, following a summer spending spree that was criticized for being 'top-heavy' and neglecting midfield reinforcements.

Wilfred Ndidi, 29, only recently joined Besiktas last summer as a free agent, but he has been a long-term target for the Red Devils. According to recent reports, the Manchester-based outfit might be ready to make a move for the Super Eagles captain. Ndidi is believed to be open to a return to English football, barely six months after leaving Leicester City, where he made 220 Premier League appearances. His performances for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco have further showcased his pedigree, with him playing a key role in the Super Eagles' run to the semi-finals. He was at his dominant best, controlling games, breaking up play, and shielding the defense with authority, fitting the profile of what United is currently lacking. Ndidi has a contract with Besiktas until 2028, with an option to extend until 2029, and has been made vice-captain, which could pose the biggest obstacle to any potential deal, as Besiktas may be unwilling to part with such a key figure.

On the other hand, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, also 29, left Chelsea for AC Milan in the summer of 2023. He has played at an admirable level for the Rossoneri when not injured and has been offered to Manchester United. Loftus-Cheek is also open to returning to the Premier League in search of more regular football, which he needs with a World Cup looming this summer. His contract with AC Milan expires in 2027, and he has a market value of €10 million, according to Transfermarkt.

The Red Devils are thought to prefer a loan signing until the end of the season, which would give them flexibility to reassess their options in the summer. Journalist Alex Crook indicated that the 'Ndidi agenda' is back on the table, while transfer insider Ben Jacobs claimed United held talks to sign a midfielder on loan who has Premier League experience and is currently playing outside England, a description that fits both Ndidi and Loftus-Cheek.

However, the potential signings have not been met with enthusiasm by Manchester United fans. Many have expressed disappointment, believing that targeting Ndidi and Loftus-Cheek suggests a lack of ambition from the club. Comments from fans include criticisms like: 'Ndidi and Loftus-Cheek...say everything about this club. Fans with standard of Real Madrid. Owners with standards of Stoke,' and 'If Loftus-Cheek is the “secret midfielder” @ManUtd are considering loaning, what a let-down! We need Reuben Neves to rotate with/replace Casemiro from NOW! We do NOT need another mediocre midfielder who ticks zero boxes. He isn’t any better than Ugarte.'

Whether Manchester United ultimately moves for Ndidi or Loftus-Cheek, the coming days are likely to reveal the seriousness of their plans to reshape their midfield for the decisive months ahead.