Manchester United identify Carlos Baleba replacement... who has an Arsenal tattoo

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·19 August 2025

Manchester United identify Carlos Baleba replacement... who has an Arsenal tattoo

Brighton midfielder remains a target for next summer

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

OneFootball Videos

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Manchester United have signposted Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand as a potential midfield reinforcement after their chase to secure the signature of Carlos Baleba ended last week.

The Athletic reports that United manager Ruben Amorim has a strong relationship with the player from their time together in Portugal.

United have been on the lookout for an athletic midfielder all summer, with Baleba topping their list.

However, United decided to end their pursuit of the 21-year-old for now, as the transfer was not considered financially viable.

United began talks at the end of last week, but Brighton made clear they have no intention to sell the 21-year-old this summer.

It is understood that for a deal to have been struck between the two clubs, any fee would have had to have been in the region of Moises Caicedo’s £115million move to Chelsea.

However, with United needing to sell to bring in more players, it is a fee they are unwilling to pay at present.

United have several targets on their list to fill the midfield berth, with one being Adam Wharton, who has reportedly long been admired by the Red Devils, however no advances have as yet been made for the Crystal Palace midfielder.

There is no guarantee, however, that the No6 role will be filled this summer as United have already spent £200m on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.