Manchester United fans have had their say on who the club should pursue now that the dream of signing Carlos Baleba this summer looks to be extinguished.
Baleba pursuit
After sealing a deal for Benjamin Sesko, the surprising news broke that United were looking into doing a deal for the Cameroonian midfielder.
It was well reported that Baleba was keen on a move but it was revealed earlier this week that United would not be able to complete a deal this summer for the all-round midfielder.
Brighton and Hove Albion made it clear that they had no desire to sell the player this summer and if they did, it would be for around £115 million, what they received for Moises Caicedo in 2023.
Nonetheless, the player is still said to be eager to move to United and it has been reported by Fabrizio Romano that United will return for the player next summer.
Plan B
The Peoples Person has held a poll asking fans to choose what midfielder to pursue in the remaining two weeks of the window now that Baleba is off the table for the time being.
Morten Hjulmand
37% of readers have chosen Sporting CP’s captain as the preferred back up to Baleba.
It is no secret that United have held interest in the Dane for many months now and have had a lot of recent success shopping in Portugal, especially at Sporting.
A move for Hjulmand would also reunite manager Ruben Amorim with his former player.
Nonetheless, Sporting have always referred to his €80 million release clause if a team were to sign him, so it is unclear whether United would sanction a move at this price.
Adam Wharton
In an incredibly close race, Wharton has come out as The People Persons’ readers second choice with 37% of the vote but just 13 less votes than Hjulmand.
The Crystal Palace midfielder is also a long-term target of the Red Devils as he has continuously impressed in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim’s men were reported to be leading the race for the Englishman in May but with Palace competing in Europe next season and it being so late in the window, the Eagles may not sanction a sale at this stage.
No Plan B
Interestingly, 16% of readers claimed that the club would be correct in pursuing no midfield target if they could not land Baleba.
The logic behind this is perhaps to ensure that funds will be available for a move for the Cameroonian next summer.
What’s more, it also speaks to the rare profile of midfielder that Baleba is and that there are very few players who do what he can do.
Other alternatives
There have been some tentative links to Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume, but only 6% of respondents believed he would be an appropriate alternative to Baleba.
4% of readers who participated in the poll claimed that they would like an alternative but that was a name not mentioned on the list. United have also been linked to midfielders like Ederson at Atalanta, so perhaps some respondents were thinking of this option.
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
