The Old Trafford side remain active in the market, having tabled an offer to Brighton on Tuesday for midfielder Carlos Baleba. The proposal is worth approximately £60 million with an additional £5 million in performance-related clauses.
With the club potentially facing a frantic finish to the summer transfer period, supporters have been submitting their queries about the club’s recruitment plans.
Here are responses to some of the most common questions:
How will Baleba slot into United’s engine room?
The club requires someone who offers pace and additional protection for the backline as their third central-midfield acquisition. Baleba fits those requirements but possesses more to his game than just ball-winning abilities, which explains why the club have tracked him for some time.
The 22-year-old will bring energy to the centre of the park and take on the bulk of defensive responsibilities. Winning the ball back through interceptions, challenges and turnovers plays to his strengths, though he is also competent in distribution.
Should he arrive, he would operate from the base of midfield, potentially developing a strong partnership with Andrey Santos while serving as an ideal complement to Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans. The club aimed to revamp their midfield this summer, and the department would look formidable if Baleba is secured.
Baleba is a decent player, but not at the required level for United. Isn’t this a major error?
I have been sceptical about Baleba over the past year, yet when considering the current market conditions and the type of player needed as the third midfield addition, the move makes sense for someone of his age.
Brighton were demanding over £100 million for Baleba twelve months ago. The club are optimistic they can land him for under £75 million, representing good value if terms can be agreed with the south coast club.
However, Brighton have reduced their asking price because Baleba struggled last season. He was withdrawn at the interval on two occasions during the opening months, and managed only eight Premier League starts following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite this, Baleba demonstrated top-tier potential during the 2024/25 campaign. The club believes he can recapture that form and elevate his performance, with the data analysts impressed by his underlying statistics.
Consider the current market landscape. The club missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window, and most available midfielders lack significant appeal.
Why aren’t the club pursuing another forward?
When I last spoke to a club contact about potentially signing a striker this summer, it was indicated as being lower on the priority list. However, many supporters believe it should be higher, so you are not alone in feeling the squad needs strengthening in that department.
Benjamin Sesko is the only established centre-forward currently available, though the squad possesses several players capable of operating through the middle, including Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and potentially Amad.
The club have evaluated striking options during the window while acknowledging other positions required attention first. Whether a deal materialises will hinge on Joshua Zirkzee’s future.
Michael Olmo has been ruled out with a fractured toe sustained during pre-season.
The left side of defence looks short. What is the plan?
The club intend to pursue a left-back once the third midfield signing is complete. The question is: who might that be? Newcastle have no intention of selling Lewis Hall this window, and there has been discussion in the north east about him signing an extended contract.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed this week that Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain at the Emirates Stadium this season. Racing de Santander’s Jorge Salinas has emerged as an intriguing option, along with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.
It appears the club could surprise everyone with a left-back signing. With limited funds remaining, a more affordable option to provide cover for Luke Shaw could be targeted.
Will United give Amass the opportunity to eventually replace Shaw at left-back?
The Harry Amass situation has divided supporters. Some feel he is prepared for first-team involvement, while others believe another season on loan in the Championship would benefit his development.
In my view, Amass has done enough to warrant involvement with the senior squad this season. He performed excellently during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday and has impressed throughout this summer’s pre-season campaign.
However, it may not be straightforward. Amass seeks regular game time after sampling it last term, which could push him towards leaving.
Whether Amass is given the opportunity to eventually succeed Shaw could depend on developments over the coming fortnight.