Baleba chase offers hope United can still pull off a big transfer this month | OneFootball

Carlos Baleba will not be joining Manchester United this summer, which is disappointing.

Even so, United’s pursuit of him should give fans reason to hope. Hope that INEOS, if they genuinely wanted to, could still pull off a marquee midfield signing.

United pulled out of the Baleba swoop, with the cost of persuading Brighton & Hove Albion to shift their “not for sale” stance deemed too steep.

Yet one thing is clear: despite spending over £200 million this summer, United remain in a position to land a marquee midfielder.

Baleba was never going to come cheap, and United knew it.

Even before the fan-driven chase for Baleba gathered momentum, it was clear the Brighton man would command a premium fee. After selling Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for over £100 million, Brighton were always going to demand a fee as ambitious as that.

Yet undeterred by the price tag, United still sought clarity on the specific numbers and whether the Seagulls were open to selling.

The deal did not materialise, but United’s willingness to explore a £100 million-plus move strongly suggests they have the financial muscle to complete a marquee midfield signing.

INEOS have been assembling a strong squad for Ruben Amorim, with a revamped attack now in place. But without midfield control, this team risks being held back.

United look better than they did last season. But they will only reach their best with the addition of one athletic midfielder.

It should have been Baleba – now, they must find an alternative.

The need for a mobile midfielder

United’s biggest midfield concern lies in the lack of mobility and defensive coverage.

At times, one well-placed pass bypasses the press entirely, leaving the midfield exposed in transition.

Case in point, how open the team looked centrally in that 1–0 loss to Arsenal, it’s clear Amorim needs to sort the midfield out. Bruno Fernandes, alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, is not the answer.

That engine room vulnerability would be significantly reduced with the right athletic midfielder, someone with recovery pace, positional discipline, and physical presence to restore control.

A clinical attack is vital, but never underestimate the importance of a strong midfield.

A top central midfielder is the foundation for success in the Premier League

Liverpool won the league last season with a dominant midfield; Ryan Gravenberch gave them the platform to thrive.

Arsenal have been thriving with a solid midfield. Thomas Partey and Declan Rice were excellent last season, and Martin Zubimendi could elevate them further.

Chelsea have improved with a functioning midfield. With Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez finally clicking, they look better. Manchester City fell apart last season when they lost their best midfielder, Rodri.

If Amorim wanted Baleba, United should have boldly broken the bank and landed the 21-year-old. But since they opted not to, despite entering the race believing they could pull off that headline transfer, it is clear the money is there for a marquee midfield signing.

Whether it is Morten Hjulmand or Adam Wharton, United must secure that premium target – that top midfielder, we now know the club can afford.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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