Depending on whether Man United keep Michael Carrick or not, the team will have transfer targets suitable for the English coach's requirements. However, whether it's Carrick or anyone else, the midfield is definitely a place to be strongly reformed.
Casemiro has said goodbye, Manuel Ugarte has not met the requirements, Bruno Fernandes is old and Kobbie Mainoo is still quite young. The team needs more experienced and suitable people for the goal. One of the people who has been mentioned again and has appeared in rumors since the summer of 2025 is Carlos Baleba (Brighton).
Baleba has not played well this season. He has been substituted in 15 Premier League matches, including being substituted in the first half in 4 matches. The Cameroonian midfielder has only played a full 90 minutes in 3 matches. However, perhaps these stats are what makes Man United benefit when Baleba's price will not be as unreasonable as what Brighton shouted in the summer of 2025.
Last summer, when Baleba's value was at a high level after 2 excellent seasons. Man United was ready to pay 75 million pounds but Brighton wanted more than 100 million. Now, Man United is said to feel that a fee of about 50 million pounds would be more reasonable. Will this be attractive to Brighton under the management of owner Tony Bloom, a person known for being difficult in negotiations?
Man United is also targeting the center-back market. Some people at Old Trafford believe that Ayden Heaven - Leny Yoro can develop into a harmonious center-back pair like Gabriel - William Saliba of Arsenal. However, the Man United scouting team feels it is necessary to strengthen the force to adapt to pressure from the UEFA Champions League.
Ideally, a left-footed person with good physique. Ayden Heaven is on his way to asserting himself, especially after the victory against Chelsea. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez after seasons affected by injuries have made the central defender pair constantly precarious in terms of personnel. Harry Maguire is 33 years old, although in excellent form, rotation is necessary in a season playing in 4 arenas.
A name being seriously considered is Micky Van de Ven. The 25-year-old star is predicted to attract attention, regardless of whether Tottenham Hotspur is relegated or not. The Dutch center-back's contract lasts until 2029, so it will be difficult for his price to drop. If Spurs are relegated, it will create more favorable conditions for the departure of some of their best players.
Last season was a volatile campaign for Van de Ven, but he still scored 7 goals in 40 appearances, a very impressive number for the center-back position. The assist for Brennan Johnson at Old Trafford in 2024 is still deeply ingrained in the minds of Man United fans. His speed, dribbling ability and tackling will be a big plus for the "Red Devils" squad. However, Liverpool have been interested in Van de Ven in the past and can compete fairly with their arch-rival in this race.
Man United needs to mobilize money through player sales and Manuel Ugarte is the name they are considering. Ugarte joined for £50.5 million from PSG in 2024 but did not meet the requirements and is about to be included in the transfer list. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to want to sell the 25-year-old star, a view clearly expressed through his perspective from the board of directors area at Old Trafford in the match against Leeds, the match where Ugarte started instead of Mainoo who was injured.
Revenue from the UEFA Champions League and money earned from transfers will determine the amount of money Man United can spend to strengthen the team.
Elliot Anderson tops Manchester United's transfer target list in midfield thanks to his dynamic playing style. However, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to want up to £125 million for the English star. Marinakis is a strong personality by resolutely keeping Morgan Gibbs-White in the summer of last year, despite Spurs trying to activate the contract release clause for this midfielder. However, if Nottingham is relegated, Anderson's price may drop.
Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni is also being discussed in the meetings of the Man United scouting team. However, the 26-year-old French star is one of the few players who have played stably at the Bernabeu this season. It is unclear whether Real Madrid will allow him to leave, or whether the midfielder wants to find a new club or not?
