It has been revealed that there is a second reason why Manchester United chose not to sign Carlos Baleba in the summer, it’s not just the price tag.
Manchester United were heavily linked to Carlos Baleba in the summer transfer window, with many feeling he would be the perfect option for Rúben Amorim’s midfield.
However, United chose not to pursue the Cameroonian international due to the high price tag set by Brighton and Hove Albion, of over £100 million.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have shared the defensive midfield role – alongside Bruno Fernandes – but it is clear that United can make serious improvements in that area.
Both midfielders lack key qualities – energy and in-possession ability, respectively – to play in Amorim’s midfield, and Baleba would’ve been a big improvement, despite his poor start to the campaign.
However, it has now been revealed that United would’ve been unlikely to complete a deal for Baleba this summer, even if the price tag wasn’t so high.
Midfield wasn’t a priority for United
Despite the obvious need for another central midfielder, Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun has now reported that signing a midfielder was not a priority for United in the summer transfer window.
The report claims: “Sources said the midfield was not a priority in their summer market as they have enough versatile options in Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.”
United had the chance to sign Baleba but chose not to. On the final days of the window, they were also offered Conor Gallagher, but again decided against signing a midfielder.
The poor start to the season could force United’s higher-ups into a midfield signing in the January transfer window, although Baleba is more likely to be signed in the summer due to his high fee.
United need a midfielder more than ever under Amorim
United’s need for a new central midfielder has never been clearer, especially considering that Amorim is unwilling to play Mainoo in the more defensive role next to Fernandes.
Casemiro and Ugarte hold back United from reaching their full potential under Amorim because both lack the qualities to partner Fernandes in a double pivot. Not to mention how foolishly aggressive both can be.
Signing a midfielder has to be United’s next focus in the transfer market, especially if Toby Collyer is to stay at West Brom for the remainder of the season.
Collyer – along with young Sékou Koné – represents the right profile to play in Amorim’s midfield, but he wouldn’t have played ahead of Casemiro or Ugarte due to his inexperience.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.