Manchester United have reportedly decided against attempting to sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba this summer amid Brighton’s refusal to sell.
Manchester United’s midfield situation is a tricky one due to the lack of European football, as they have four senior players in the middle of the park and very little time to play them all.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes could be the first-choice pairing in central midfield, but neither is ideally suited to a defensive midfield role in Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo are the two other options in the engine room, but United have made it clear they still want to sign another midfielder, as a defensive option with better ground coverage would help the side massively.
Carlos Baleba appeared to be the top target, and many fans thought a deal would be reached, but it has been confirmed that Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder will remain with Fabian Hürzeler’s side this season.
United will push for Baleba next summer
David Ornstein has today broken the news that United are not planning on signing Baleba this summer, despite being their primary midfield target.
However, hope remains for Red Devils fans because he has said a move could be possible in the future, even if a sale won’t be possible before the end of the window.
“Moving to Old Trafford appeals to Baleba,” said Ornstein. “So personal terms would have presented no problem — and the Cameroon international is prepared to keep pushing, even if it means waiting until the future.”
United will hope that they can re-enter the race for Baleba next season, when they have more money to spend, having already spent over £200 million this summer.
The good news is Baleba is clearly open to a move to Old Trafford, and could still become a United player, but it may have to wait until next summer.
Ugarte should be trusted for this season
While he isn’t perfect, Ugarte is the closest player United have to Baleba, due to his all-action style off the ball that makes him such a good ball-winner and presser.
It is in possession where Ugarte struggles, but if he is paired alongside either Fernandes or Mainoo, he could help Amorim build a balanced midfield that won’t get overrun as easily as when Casemiro plays.
The Brazilian is still a brilliant player, but his lack of mobility often works against him because he can’t make the same challenges he used to and often finds himself diving him.
The next Baleba alternative would be Toby Collyer, but he has recently moved to West Bromwich Albion on loan, so he plays regular football.
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