Manchester United has completed a string of high-profile forward signings, but attention is now shifting to another pressing issue: strengthening the midfield. The club has reportedly shown interest in Brighton's promising midfielder Carlos Baleba as they seek to bolster their squad.
United's recent agreement to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko for £74 million brings their summer spending on forwards to over £200 million. However, this influx of attacking talent has highlighted the need for a more robust midfield. Head coach Ruben Amorim aims to significantly improve the team's goal-scoring capabilities after a disappointing season.
Sesko will join Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as the latest additions to United's forward line. Despite these acquisitions, the midfield remains a concern, with uncertainties surrounding the players available to fill the two central midfield positions.
The club has been quietly exploring the possibility of securing Baleba from Brighton, according to sources. BBC Sport delves into the intricacies of United's midfield dilemma.
Amorim's System and the Midfield Role
Amorim's tactical setup requires two deep-lying midfielders, high-pushing wing-backs, two inside forwards, and a striker. Sesko is expected to lead the attack, with Cunha and Mbeumo operating behind him. This leaves Bruno Fernandes as the primary candidate for one of the deeper midfield roles. However, Fernandes' playing style—characterized by his tendency to roam and find space—may not fully align with the demands of a traditional box-to-box midfielder.
Fernandes is known for his creativity and passing ability but may lack the defensive instincts required for a midfield anchor. Amorim has defended Fernandes' fitness and endurance, but United's interest in Baleba suggests a need for a more dynamic presence in midfield.
Current Midfield Options
Among United's current midfielders, Manuel Ugarte shows potential but has yet to prove his worth consistently. Ugarte's tendency to hold onto the ball in dangerous areas was evident in a game against Everton, leading to a counter-attack and a goal. Casemiro, despite his experience, is no longer the tireless runner he once was, and his role in a midfield with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos suggests he may not fully fit Amorim's requirements.
Kobbie Mainoo is another option, but his qualities are more similar to Fernandes'—excelling in finding space and threatening the opposition goal rather than providing defensive cover. Toby Collyer, a 21-year-old, seems the most suited to the role but is likely to be loaned out this summer.
The Financial and Transfer Landscape
If United cannot find a suitable midfielder within their current squad, they will need to make another signing. However, the club must also offload unwanted players to balance their books. Players like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia are part of the "bomb squad" training separately as the club seeks to find them new clubs.
Offloading these players is not straightforward, and most deals are expected to be concluded closer to the September 1 deadline. This delay could impact United's ability to sign another midfielder this summer. Brighton is reportedly seeking a significant fee for Baleba, similar to the £115 million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2022. United may struggle to meet such demands without selling more players from Amorim's squad.
Despite the challenges, the need for a midfield solution is clear. If not Baleba, United must find another player to fill the void and strengthen their midfield for the upcoming season.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
Be the first to comment on this article!