Louis Saha and Ashley Young have urged Manchester United to reconsider their transfer stance on one “confident” star after the draw against Fulham.
Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Fulham in their second Premier League game of the season after a hard-fought contest at Craven Cottage.
United made the brighter start, with Matheus Cunha close to opening the scoring, while Fulham looked most dangerous from set-pieces. Bruno Fernandes missed a first-half penalty, but Leny Yoro eventually put the visitors ahead early in the second half from a corner.
However, United’s midfield struggled to impose itself as the match wore on, allowing Fulham to grow in confidence. The hosts levelled the score and pushed for a winner, leaving United fortunate to escape with a point.
After the game, former United duo Louis Saha and Ashley Young seemed to urge the club to reconsider their stance on one potential transfer before the transfer window closes.
Saha and Young urge United to reconsider transfer stance on “confident” Baleba
United were chasing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba earlier in the window and he would be a perfect addition to Amorim’s squad, as they are missing that kind of profile.
But it was reported that the Reds would not attempt to sign the Cameroon international this summer as they are not prepared to pay more than £115 million for him.
Saha and Young have both suggested that United should perhaps reconsider their stance on Baleba after the Fulham game.
“I think so,” said Saha when asked on Sky Sports whether United need to sign a midfielder. “This is why they’ve been in the transfer market looking for some Brighton player… they need power, they need people who can take the ball.
“There are moments in the game where you need that, you really need that aggression and confidence, I don’t think that we have that at the moment.”
“I think you do need someone else in that midfield,” Young added. “I think there’s going to be some more movement in this transfer window and I think Man United do need a midfield who can play as well as defend.
“Someone who can get up and down the pitch, and if it’s that player from Brighton, then possibly he might be the answer.”
United need something new in midfield
Baleba would cost an incredible amount of money this late in the window but it wouldn’t be a surprise if United tried their luck with a bid.
The issues in midfield have only been made more obvious after the opening two games of the season. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are simply not at the level required, while Bruno Fernandes also looks to be struggling in that role.
Even if it is not Baleba this summer, United cannot end the transfer window without bolstering in that position or at least trying to find new options.
That could include actually using Kobbie Mainoo in the deeper position and helping him develop his defensive positioning.
Whatever happens, it is clear that the current options Amorim is using in that position are not working for United.
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