After completing a long-awaited move for Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now turning their attention to the next names on their summer shortlist.
The club finalised a £65m deal with Brentford for the 25-year-old, who joined up with the squad just in time for their flight to the pre-season tour in America.
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According to reports, United aren’t finished yet. Ineos are believed to be targeting three more additions: a goalkeeper, a striker and another central midfielder.
After watching his team’s 0-0 draw with Leeds United to start pre-season, head coach Ruben Amorim pointed out that there was a “lack of pace” in midfield.
Amorim is looking for an “athletic” addition to help address those issues, and fans already seem to have a clear idea of who should be at the top of that list.
Ruben Amorim has focused on adding experienced, physically capable players this summer, and that approach isn’t changing as United look to strengthen further.
The latest name drawing attention is Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, with fans pushing Ineos to make a move for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Baleba has caught the eye during his time with Brighton, and there’s growing excitement on social media about the possibility of him linking up with fellow Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo at Old Trafford.
This kid is gem
— . (@TONY_YANITED) July 22, 2025
Let's attempt Brighton with £55M+£10M in adds on…..
Another simply posted: “He is my Man Utd dream signing.”
He is my man utd dream signing
— captaiNPhenomenal (@faroukmagaji11) July 22, 2025
One supporter praised his athleticism: “Quicker than most wingers. Strong as any centerback. One man midfield.”
quicker than most wingers. strong as any centerback. one man midfield.
— God Usopp (@EniesLobby06) July 22, 2025
The physical demands of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system have been questioned before, but some believe Baleba could be the solution. One fan said: “The only player that can make a two-man midfield work.”
The only player that can make a two man midfield work.
— II—II (@gendeburts) July 22, 2025
The term “dream signing” came up repeatedly among comments online.
Would be a dream signing for this current team.
— thegreatCORNHOLIO (@D_gr8_CORNHOLIO) July 23, 2025
And another message to Ineos was clear and direct: “Absolutely need this player.”
Absolutely need this player
— Danielinho (@Danyanited15) July 23, 2025
There’s still a chance Ineos might make a move for Baleba. United had their eye on him back in 2023, before he made the £23m switch to Brighton.
Since then, his stock has risen sharply. He’s been thriving under Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton, and that’s pushed his value up even further.
This summer, reports have put his price tag at £100 million, which would be a tough ask for United to meet.
Ineos have already spent over £130 million on Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo and Diego Leon. So there isn’t a lot of room left in the budget.
Brighton may yet lower their demands. But with Baleba under contract until 2028, there is no urgency to sell him anytime soon.
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