Manchester United were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Fulham in their Premier League game at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
The visitors had chances to take an unassailable lead into half-time, but for glaring misses from Matheus Cunha, while the normally reliable Bruno Fernandes skied his spot-kick.
What was most concerning was the lack of control in midfield after a bright start, and Ruben Amorim’s inexplicable changes, which allowed the hosts a way back into the game.
Casemiro had to be subbed off after receiving a yellow card, and his lack of pace was being exploited by the Cottagers. The less said the better about Manuel Ugarte, who came on to replace him.
Lack of quality in Midfield
The skipper struggled post his penalty miss, yet the head coach did not bring on Kobbie Mainoo. And that has led to rumours of the Carrington wonderkid being ready to leave.
As revealed by journalist Miguel Delaney in his newsletter for The Independent, INEOS were left scratching their heads after Sunday’s display.
They clearly feel the Portuguese tactician needs help in the middle of the park, which is why they are ready to reignite their pursuit of Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Cameroonian was identified as the perfect fit for Amorim’s system, with the ex-Sporting CP boss demanding INEOS to try and sign him.
INEOS not impressed
However, the Seagulls held firm, and as a result, the Red Devils moved on to alternate targets. They have not yet managed to find as good a fit, hence their U-turn.
“The manner of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Fulham has provoked a lot of debate outside the club, but at least made the hierarchy think inside. There is now a growing belief they will go back in for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.”
However, whether United’s pursuit will bear fruit remains to be seen. Brighton are not afraid to sell their players, but they will only do so if their strict valuation is met.
That means INEOS will have to break the British transfer record. Whether they can afford such a move, or if they will wait until player sales will be interesting to see.
Baleba pursuit back on
“No player is ever “not for sale” with Brighton. Instead, they have a price anchored to their sophisticated analytics that they just don’t tell any prospective buyers. It’s up to the other club to eventually hit that value.
“The question is then how much he is really worth to United, and how much they’re willing to spend.”
There have been murmurs that both Fernandes and Mainoo could leave, so that might open up the possibility of landing Carlos Baleba before the window slams shut.
Fans will be hoping it does not come to that, and that their club can bring in the 21-year-old after they sell the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho.
Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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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
