What Manchester United need most right now is an athletic presence in the middle of the park, someone who can add quality both with and without the ball.
Manuel Ugarte was signed for big money from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, and there were hopes that he would fill that void in the middle of the park.
However, the Uruguayan has struggled to deal with the physicality of English football, while his limited range of passing has also let the Red Devils down.
That trend has continued in pre-season, which is why Ruben Amorim opted to hand him only seven minutes in the final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina.
Midfield help needed
Casemiro, who was fantastic in his debut campaign, has seen age catch up with him, and the frenetic pace of the Premier League often becomes too much for him to handle.
Then there is Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to pin down a regular position under the head coach, which is why the Portuguese tactician is pushing so hard for Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion.
But it will not be an easy deal to crack, given Manchester City’s reported interest and the Seagulls’ valuation of their midfield dynamo.
They would like a British transfer record fee for the 21-year-old, but journalist Rich Fay has a positive update on this matter.
Writing for Manchester World, the journalist claims Brighton would be open to a deal for around £100 million, including add-ons.
The 20-time English league champions would be required to pay a lower initial fee, like in the case of Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. This opens up the possibility of a deal actually materialising as long as player sales are conducted.
“Amorim would like to add a mobile midfielder to his squad before deadline day, and the 21-year-old is viewed as the ideal fit for their tactical set-up.
Carlos Baleba fee details
“It is understood Baleba would be keen on an Old Trafford move this summer, though he is not expected to force his way out of Brighton and could quite easily stay there for at least another season.
“Brighton have made it clear they do not intend to sell Baleba in the current window and will only sanction a sale if it matches their valuation of the player.
“Early indications suggest it could be in the region of £100 million, though that could be the overall value of the package, with a smaller initial transfer fee.”
Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho are all expected to depart, and hopefully, that paves the way for Baleba’s arrival.
Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
