Manchester United grow confident in signing priority midfield target in 2026

Manchester United are currently in a state of uncertainty, steadying the ship until a new manager is appointed in the summer.

Before Ruben Amorim’s sacking, the club were working towards redesigning the squad to a 3-4-3, dispatching wingers for dynamic wing-backs and more central attackers.

However, one of the main areas of the pitch to be unchanged, was the centre of midfield, yet it needed the most work.

Limited to only Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, only the partnership of Fernandes and Casemiro seemed to get a look in.

Mainoo was severely out of favour with Amorim, whilst Ugarte failed to live up to his £50 million price tag to move from PSG in 2024.

With the club’s attack having already been remodelled in the summer, full focus is on the midfield now.

At least one new signing is neede at the end of the season, with Casemiro coming to the end of his contract and Christian Eriksen still having not been replaced.

It’s been widely known that United have been looking to Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba as their priority targets.

Now, The Sun has revealed that The Red Devils are still confident in getting a deal across the line for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.

The 22-year-old excelled with The Seagulls last season, seeing him slapped with a £12o million asking price in the summer. A fee way too high for United to even consider.

However, after consistent links with Old Trafford have arisen, Baleba’s form has dipped, and so too has his price tag.

Alongside this dip, United have leverage in the form of his relationship with fellow Cameroon national team teammate, Bryan Mbeumo already being like his “older brother” on international duty.

As such, The Red Devils are confident that enough can be done to lure the youngster to Old Trafford and solidify the middle of the pitch.