Manchester United could end the pursuit of a major midfield transfer target if the club decide to part ways with Rúben Amorim.
Manchester United suffered their third loss of the season as Manchester City overpowered Rúben Amorim’s side in a 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The derby opened with early chances for Benjamin Šeško and Erling Haaland, but both teams struggled to settle into a rhythm. City broke the deadlock just before the 20-minute mark, Phil Foden firing the hosts in front.
United pushed for a reply but went into the break empty-handed. After half-time, Amorim’s men showed intent, only for Haaland to double City’s lead. The Norwegian quickly struck again, sealing the result with more than 20 minutes still on the clock.
Bryan Mbeumo and Casemiro both had opportunities to reduce the deficit, but neither could take them, as Guardiola’s side capped off a commanding win on a rain-soaked Manchester afternoon.
Sacking could jeopardize 2026 Baleba move
Amorim’s position at United is once again under the spotlight after being convincingly beaten by their bitter rivals, and despite INEOS publicly backing him, pressure may soon start to mount if things don’t improve.
After a poor season last term, many were hoping that after having a full summer, while also bringing in players that fit his playing style.
Having signed three new forwards to completely replace his one from last season and also bringing in a new goalkeeper, Amorim was pushing to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who was thought as a perfect fit in his side.
Despite it being made clear that a move for the Cameroonian would be impossible in 2025, United are said to be going all in for him next summer.
As reported by TEAMtalk, via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano’s Here We Go podcast, Baleba has been identified as the perfect player for Amorim’s system, rather than the right man for Man Utd in a post-Amorim squad should the Portuguese manager get sacked, despite being called “perfect” by United legend Paul Scholes.
What Fabrizio Romano said on Baleba
“The position to cover is going to be midfielder,” began Romano. “Man United will go for an important midfielder in 2026. We’ll see if it’s going to be January or the summer transfer window.
“I think Man Utd have been showing in August that they have very clear ideas, that they get the player they want, especially in that position, or they wait for the next transfer window. This is the position of the club.
“The player they want is Carlos Baleba – at least with Ruben Amorim as the coach. If this [Amorim as Man United manager] will change in the future, then we will see.
“But Baleba is considered the perfect player. Man United were very happy with Baleba being very keen and very interested in the opportunity to join Man United even without European football.
“So I think Man United will continue their opportunity to go for Carlos Baleba.
“For Brighton it was a closed door this summer… let’s see what’s going to happen in the future. I think Man Utd will try again for Baleba in 2026.”
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