Manchester United put in a huge amount of effort into upgrading their squad over the summer.
With Ruben Amorim’s approval, INEOS managed to offload the deadwood, while bringing in five new faces.
Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Diego Leon, and Senne Lammens all joined the Portuguese’s roster during the recently concluded transfer window.
The Red Devils apparently wanted a new midfielder as well, and were heavily linked with Carlos Baleba for the job.
The Cameroonian was coming off an impressive season with Brighton & Hove Albion and Amorim apparently saw him as a perfect fit in his midfield. United apparently explored the option, but the Seagulls refused to let him go.
United remain hot on Baleba’s heels
The Red Devils, though, have retained their interest in the 21 year old. Amorim even refrained from signing a new midfielder as he wants to add Baleba to his side next year.
Recent reports have suggested that the Premier League giants are already planning a move for the Cameroonian at the turn of the year.
United are undeterred by their lack of success in the summer, and are ready to try again as soon as the window opens in January.
The midfield remains an area of concern for Amorim, with Casemiro expected to leave in 2026 and Manuel Ugarte failing to convince. The Red Devils, as such, are eager to rope in Baleba immediately.
However, according to Football Insider, the Seagulls are likely to demand an exorbitant fee for the Cameroonian in the winter, which United won’t be able to afford.
Amorim could have better luck next summer
The report, though, adds that Brighton could be more accepting of a move at the end of this campaign, when Baleba’s contract will have two years remaining on it.
The Cameroonian, meanwhile, has endured a difficult start to the new campaign at the Amex. He has started all three games in the Premier League, but is yet to play the full 90 minutes.
However, his stock remains high and United are unlikely to be bothered by his dip in form, even if they may have to wait an extra six months to secure the midfield powerhouse.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
