Manchester United have reportedly identified one ‘complete’ star as a viable alternative to Carlos Baleba after their failed pursuit this summer.
Manchester United find themselves in a difficult position in midfield this summer, especially without the lure of European football. Ruben Amorim currently has just four senior midfielders at his disposal and limited opportunities to give them all regular game time.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are expected to be the preferred pairing, but neither is a natural fit for the defensive midfield role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo are the other available options, yet the club remain keen to recruit an additional midfielder — ideally someone with greater mobility and defensive instincts.
Carlos Baleba had been widely tipped as United’s primary target, with many supporters hopeful a deal would be agreed.
However, it has now been reported that the Brighton star will be staying put under Fabian Hürzeler for the upcoming campaign and United need to reassess their position.
United identify completestar as ‘viable Baleba alternative
There haven’t been plenty of midfielders linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer but one who has is Amorim’s former captain at Sporting, Morten Hjulmand.
The Portuguese boss signed Hjulmand as a replacement for Ugarte and soon afterwards he praised the Dane as a ‘complete’ midfielder.
Reports from TeamTalk explain that United view the 26-year-old as a viable alternative to Baleba but they would face another tough negotiation with Sporting.
They are looking to get a big fee for their star player if he leaves, with a £68 million release clause in his contract.
Hjulmand signing must be avoided
Even though Hjulmand is a player who Amorim clearly loves, he should not be the midfield signing made at Old Trafford this summer.
The Dane is not on the same level as Baleba, who seems willing to wait until next summer to make a move to United happen.
If that is truly the case then United’s chiefs must find one of two options in the coming weeks; a stop-gap on a low fee or loan, or another emerging talent who can surprise people despite a low fee.
Securing Baleba ahead of time would be what a well-run Football Club tries to do and there’s little need to splash loads of cash on a player if that is your plan for next summer.
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