Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Andy Mitten tips busy Man Utd deadline day with Carlos Baleba deal possibly back on table

Originally posted on HITC | By Vatsal Gupta | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 6:03 PM ET

Manchester United fans are finding it hard to stay optimistic after Saturday’s draw with Fulham. The summer started with hope, but old problems are still there, and the game felt like a repeat of issues that have been around for months.

United got off to a good start and had chances to take control early on. By halftime, they could have been a couple of goals up, but by the final whistle, they looked more likely to concede than find a winner.

Altay Bayindir’s showing in goal raised fresh questions about the position, something Senne Lammens will now be hoping he can help address.

There are other areas that need attention too. United also have some decisions to make on player exits before anything new happens. Journalist Andy Mitten thinks it will be a busy final week of the window, which could open up room for an ambitious move for Carlos Baleba if things change late on.

Man Utd’s deadline day scramble for solutions

Manchester United, still without a single permanent sale, stand in stark contrast to the rebuild that was outlined before the window began.

The only significant financial relief comes from Marcus Rashford’s wages, though any fee related to his departure will not be seen until next summer at the earliest.

Adding to the complications are Rasmus Hojlund’s ongoing discussions with Napoli and questions around Bayindir’s future if Lammens is brought in.

If Kobbie Mainoo follows through with his plans, it could put even more pressure on United to try for a late midfield addition. But whether or not anyone comes in, moving at least four of those six players remains essential, a point Andy Mitten highlighted on United We Stand podcast.

“I expect it to be busy. United need to move players on, get money in. Not just sell-on fees. They need to sort out Sancho, Garnacho and Antony. My understanding is none of these deals are as advanced as they are being reported.”

“That may change in a couple of days but United can’t really control the situation. They have a set price and are not prepared to buckle.

“If United are getting money in from sales, then the landscape changes [for Baleba]. Brighton haven’t changed their demands.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if loads of activity went down to the last day. Watch this space.”

Andreas Pereira sale could help Manchester United’s finances

Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images

United have not done much to improve their reputation as poor sellers, with most of this window’s income coming from players who were already off the books.

Payouts from sell-on clauses for Maxi Oyedele, Alvaro Fernandez, and Anthony Elanga have brought in nearly £20m between them.

Pereira is another name who could soon be added to that list. Fulham boss Marco Silva has indicated the Brazilian may be on his way out.

He was left out of the squad against United, and there is interest from Brazil. With United still holding a 20% sell-on clause, this is a situation worth keeping an eye on.

If Pereira moves and a few more wages are cleared – especially with players like Garnacho and Antony potentially leaving – United might be able to make a late push for Carlos Baleba.

Baleba’s current form has not quieted talk that he would rather be playing at Old Trafford. His move could benefit both sides at this point.

If there is still a surprise left in this window, it will likely come down to what Ruben Amorim wants to do next.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: