Manchester United could well move for a permanent midfielder in the January window after conceding that the position needs strengthening.
In recent years, the winter window has proven to be a quiet one for United, who instead look to make all of their mega-money signings in the summer – as is the case for a host of other clubs.
That did change last term, though, when INEOS sanctioned the arrival of full-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a £25 million deal mid-season.
Ruben Amorim was keen to see a new left-back brought in to better suit his system amid Luke Shaw’s prolonged absence through injury, and Dorgu was deemed a perfect fit.
What midfielder are United interested in?
This time around, a midfield reinforcement is taking top priority on INEOS’ shortlist, with it being one position that was overlooked during the summer.
United did hold talks with one target in the form of Carlos Baleba, however.
The Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, 21, has quickly become one of the most coveted youngsters in Europe ever since he took to the Premier League like a duck to water in 2023/2024.
It was claimed at the time talks were taking place between all parties that Baleba would be keen on the move to Old Trafford, although he wouldn’t go as far as forcing a transfer and putting Brighton in a difficult situation.
Instead, he was comfortable continuing with the Seagulls and adding to his top-flight experience, leading to talks eventually fizzling out.
Journo: January signing not ruled out for Reds
Whether United would look to test Brighton’s resolve in three months’ time remains to be seen – but you can be almost certain of the fact they’d have to shell out around £100m to get a deal over the line.
“Possibly, yeah. It’s clearly the one position now where they need something,” Chris Wheeler told The United Stand when pressed on the prospect of a winter coup in the middle of the park.
“They would always say, ‘if it’s a player we were going to get anyway, if we can bring that deal forward, then we’d look at it.’ So I don’t necessarily see [it] as [a Marcel] Sabitzer[-type signing], that kind of thing.”
We need a midfielder and a wing back in January. Wharton or Baleba would be the preferred ones, but Agoume is another who we should look at again.
Let’s see if we get one or two in, or if Amorim is still here.
Let’s hope Amorim is NOT still here, he is stunting the growth and confidence of some playing extolling the futility of those not worthy of a first team place and crippling the surprise of the team by playing the same format whatever. How has he done so far? The worst manager since Nero asked for his fiddle.
Wholeheartedly agree, he is not fit for purpose, rashford, garnacho, hojlund, ridiculous. He’s not a manager just ostracise young players. Mainoo next?
The way Man United fans are going about the situation at the Club would never lead them to their expectations. Jorgon Clop took some seasons to build Liverpool to the standard they are now. Slot came in and took advantage of the already led foundation. Now that he wants to introduce his own ideology, have you not noticed some issues with the Clup? He actually will need sometime to bed in his own ideas. Why is it that it’s other club fans and pundits that are pushing for Amorin, s sack. They are aware that if he should be allowed to blend the team with this new tactical formation, it will be too difficult to catch up with them. Amorin should be given time to showcase what he has in stock. Slot has lost three matches at a stretch no one has called for his head, had it been that it’s Amorin, all the pundits, especially those other clubs Legends wouldn’t allowed us to rest. Please leave Amorin alone, he needs time to drive home what he has in stock. Man U will rise and dominate again.
Elliot anderson is the ceentre midfielder that united need
Totally agree. The comment and criticism from the media, fans and many others (probably include many unfriendly parties) are trying to add negative factors aim to derail the progress and improvement of MU.
Good performance is built on strong foundation, with time, encouragement & patience needed.
I don’t see the manager doing something good for man united in the future and he is not the best to take man united to the better glories.