Manchester United have made a decision on who to sign if Alejandro Garnacho and Rúben Amorim’s other outcasts leave the club soon.
Manchester United look set to be busy in the last 10 days of the transfer window, as several outgoings are expected, while incomings haven’t been ruled out.
While Marcus Rashford has been loaned to Barcelona for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, United are yet to make a sale this summer, with the only incoming fees coming from previous players’ sell-on clauses.
Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho are all expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, with Garnacho the closest to a move away.
After the signing of Benjamin Šeško, Rasmus Hojlund also looks set to leave United, as he would be the third-choice striker behind the Slovenian and Joshua Zirkzee.
In recent days, Casemiro has also been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, leaving space for Jason Wilcox to sign a new midfielder before the end of the summer.
Amorim to use sales funds for midfielder
With so little time left in the transfer window, Amorim needs to prioritise who to sign if United get the opportunity to make another summer signing.
The Red Devils have been linked with goalkeepers, midfielders and central defenders in recent days, but it appears that United have chosen to prioritise a midfield signing over a new shotstopper.
ESPN have said: “The message from United sources since the defeat to Arsenal is that any additional transfer funds raised by departures, most likely Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, are likely to be reinvested in a midfielder rather than a goalkeeper.”
Reports have since explained that United have accelerated their talks to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens for around £17 million.
However, as ESPN’s report highlights, the club are still keen to secure a midfielder this summer, and will be looking to use the funds from Garnacho and Højlund’s sales to do so.
United shouldn’t settle for less than Baleba
While he will be incredibly expensive, Baleba is the perfect signing for Amorim’s system, as he would provide the perfect midfield balance next to either Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo.
His high-energy playstyle, combined with his good passing range, would allow the more creative player to shine, while he takes care of the defensive side.
However, unlike Manuel Ugarte, Baleba is comfortable on the ball and could be a key part of Amorim’s build-up system that worked so well against Arsenal.
Pulling off a deal for Baleba will not be easy, but if the funds are there and Casemiro does leave United, why couldn’t a deal be done?
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