Carlos Baleba could give Michael Carrick plenty to think about regarding team selection at Manchester United
The Red Devils have been active during the close season but there may still be more transfer activity before the deadline. Despite having already recruited midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, a fresh approach for Baleba has emerged.
The club have submitted an offer worth £60m with additional clauses for the Cameroon international. This represents a considerable reduction from the £100m-plus valuation Brighton were seeking 12 months ago, though it could still prove sufficient to secure an agreement.
Should Baleba arrive, he would provide the depth Carrick requires as he gears up for an intensified campaign at Old Trafford. Finishing third last term earned qualification for Europe’s elite club competition, and the manager will need to utilise his entire squad effectively.
Rotation will inevitably play a part throughout the season, with not all players available every match. With that in mind, four potential formations featuring Baleba have been examined.
1. The season opener (4-2-3-1)
Injury concerns are already affecting preparations for the opening Premier League fixture. Sesko has not fully recovered from the shin complaint he picked up during last season’s run-in and is unlikely to be rushed back into the first eleven.
Baleba could line up as one of two deeper-lying midfielders
Cunha has demonstrated he can operate as a central striker in English football, a role potentially on show when United face Hull City on Saturday. This would enable Carrick to utilise Fernandes in the attacking midfield position where he performed so impressively throughout last season.
The obvious complication is that only two deeper-lying midfield positions exist for three new signings. Baleba and Santos could start at Hull if the former completes his move in time, though Tielemans and indeed Mainoo will certainly feature as matches accumulate.
2. The box midfield (4-4-2)
Baleba might serve as a single pivot
Baleba’s defensive abilities may prompt Carrick to consider whether he can entrust the former Lille player with more defensive responsibilities in front of the back four. A midfield diamond would enable the manager to maximise Mainoo and Tielemans while keeping Fernandes in his most effective position.
Under this arrangement, Santos would be the one omitted. This setup could prove useful against opponents anticipated to cede more possession to United, whether in league fixtures or cup competitions.
A narrower central trio would place considerable responsibility on the full-backs to push forward and aid the attack. It could also create opportunities for Mbeumo or Rashford to feature in a front two alongside either Cunha or Sesko, pulling opposing centre-backs wide.
3. The more attacking approach (4-3-3)
The Cameroon international could enable United to adopt a more conventional 4-3-3
Supporters savoured attacking football during the Ferguson era but the approach has not always been so adventurous since. However, the squad is now taking shape to allow a more front-foot style.
A new midfielder in Baleba’s profile could enhance this further if the Cameroonian handles defensive duties alongside two more creative central players. Fernandes has operated deeper previously and there will be fixtures where he can dictate play alongside Tielemans in a three-man midfield.
This arrangement would permit Carrick to call upon the attacking trident of Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha which began to develop cohesion towards the end of last season. There may also be occasions when balancing a more offensive midfield three with forwards capable of contributing defensively suits the manager, potentially creating chances for wingers like Dorgu and Amad.
4. The ‘life after Bruno’ option (4-2-3-1)
United show no signs of parting with Fernandes presently, despite reported interest from Galatasaray. Nevertheless, the captain reaches 32 in September and there will inevitably come a time when he cannot shoulder the burden alone.
Baleba might feature in an eventual post-Fernandes transition
Some matches this campaign could see Fernandes rested, allowing Carrick to preview the future with Tielemans deployed as a 10 and all three midfield signings (or two alongside Mainoo) in the same lineup. Future planning could also involve greater responsibilities for young defender Yoro who, like Baleba, came through at Lille.
The Old Trafford hierarchy appear intent on refining one area systematically, with last summer focusing on the attack and now directing attention towards the middle of the park. While no single addition solves everything, pursuing Baleba could enable United to achieve significantly more with their squad.