With the Carlos Baleba transfer pursuit looking relatively ambitious, who could Manchester United sign instead of the young Cameroonian?
It is important to note the type of signing Manchester United should seek; key figures like Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro look to retain their first-team places.
Ruben Amorim has been experimenting with a Fernandes-Mainoo double pivot throughout preseason, with those two appearing to be the manager’s preferred options.
Fernandes will undoubtedly not be dropped, as the club captain, so if United were to sign another defensive midfielder, that player would have to complement the Portuguese player’s weaknesses.
In short, the team does not need another Fernandes; a simple, defensive-minded player with good mobility around the pitch would suffice.
With that in mind, there are a limited players who would cut it in the Premier League, and even fewer at United.
United need a smart and agile defensive midfielder
Looking abroad, the club can identify a few players good enough to complete that midfield double-pivot, which is a position recognised by the club as a priority.
Morten Hjulmand is a player heavily linked with the club throughout the summer window, with the Reds tabling a bid early last month. However, the player is also attracting interest from Serie A and is reportedly set to leave Sporting CP this transfer window.
The Dane played under Amorim at Sporting, as has been heavily praised by the Utd boss throughout their relationship, and could be considered a great addition to the squad.
“The way that he manages the team inside the pitch and outside the pitch as well is not like I anything I have seen in my short career. I think Manchester [United] are in good hands with Ruben,” Hjulmand commented.
Lucien Agoume is another player the Reds should consider, though somewhat of an unconventional possible signing. Agoume has been a great addition to the Sevilla squad since his acquisition last season and matches the physical profile that Amorim has been “crying out for” this summer.
Despite a polarising career, the Frenchman has become an exceptionally talented player for the Spanish club, retaining the ball with ease and boasting a very high completed pass percentage. Certainly a character with high potential, and a player the club should ponder.
Utd may look within the Premier League for the answer
As with the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the club may decide to continue their search for players who are Premier League proven.
United was previously linked with Norwegian Sander Berge when Erik ten Hag was in charge, though a surprise rumour, the 27-year-old’s character means he is a fantastic player to consider for a potential signing.
Berge’s physical stature and ability to win the ball back would be ideal in the current Amorim system. Now an established Premier League player, the Norwegian could be a valuable addition for Amorim in the 2025/26 season.
Amdou Onana has a similar story to Berge, as he was previously linked with the club before joining Everton and then Aston Villa, and rightly so, as his time in the Premier League has been impressive.
Another player with exceptional physical ability, Onana also boasts the capacity to progress the ball up the pitch frequently and with ease, an attribute Amorim seems to favour.
Whoever Utd decides to take the gamble on will come with great expectation, and the fans will anticipate a great start.
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