Manchester United had many areas in need of improvement after what transpired last season, with midfield being one of them.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion was identified by Ruben Amorim as the perfect addition to the engine room. The Seagulls’ valuation was quite steep as well.
However, INEOS decided to go all out to improve the attack instead, which meant a move for the Cameroonian was not possible.
The Red Devils then scrambled to land a late alternative, but moves for Conor Gallagher, Romeo Lavia, and Angelo Stiller did not pan out.
Midfielder hunt
The Peoples Person has relayed that the 20-time English league champions are preparing a British transfer record bid to land the Brighton midfielder, and a move could occur as early as January.
Fabrizio Romano has now lend credence to these rumours, by claiming that the Old Trafford side will definitely sign a midfielder in the winter.
But he does make it clear that while Baleba remains the absolute top priority, a market opportunity like Gallagher cannot be ruled out as a placeholder.
“A new midfielder will join Manchester United in 2026 January,” the Italian said on his YouTube channel.
New recruit in January
“It remains to be seen if it’s a top player like Baleba as the deal will be difficult or a opportunity on the market, like Conor Gallagher.”
The team’s displays this season have made it very clear that there is an obvious gap that needs to be filled in the middle of the park.
Casemiro cannot last 90 minutes due to his age, while Manuel Ugarte keeps struggling since his move last summer. Amorim also does not seem to trust Kobbie Mainoo in that defensive midfield role, seeing him more as a No.8.
Fans will be delighted if INEOS can pull off a stunner in the winter window. Amorim’s future depends on it.
Feature image Justin Setterfield 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
