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Michael Carrick's future remains uncertain, but if he stays, his input will be invaluable. Regardless, Manchester United believe they can proceed with the club's objectives, with CEO Omar Berrada, Football Director Jason Wilcox, and Director of Recruiting Christopher Vivell all providing advice to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United's top priority is to strengthen the midfield. They are expected to sign two new players, but the specific targets depend on the team's overall style. Their technical characteristics need to complement each other, as well as Kobe Mainoo, who is finalizing a new contract.
United also hope to promote a midfielder from the academy. Taylor Fletcher and Jim Switzer have both trained with the first team recently.
Regarding Carlos Baleba: Hoping for a Low-Cost Signing
United are weighing several options. One strong possibility is Carlos Baleba. Last summer, after United had basically agreed personal terms with him, his season at Brighton did not go smoothly—he was substituted in all 15 Premier League matches, including 4 times at halftime.
He only played the full 90 minutes 3 times. However, one of those was in Tuesday night's 3-0 victory over Chelsea, where he performed brilliantly, even dispossessing Robert Sánchez in the penalty area to create a golden opportunity for Jack Hinshelwood.
Regardless, United have been monitoring Baleba since last summer. They scouted Cameroon during the Africa Cup of Nations due to the presence of Bryan Mbeumo and Baleba. The 22-year-old impressed in five matches, and
United believe his overall statistics, including coverage, ball retention, and passing ability, fit perfectly into their tactical system.
There is no doubt that United's pursuit last summer did shake Baleba's resolve, and his form at Brighton was affected to some extent. Additionally, he has been troubled by some injuries. He regained his confidence while representing Cameroon. Brighton's staff have supported him through this difficult period.
However, he is considered a lower-priority midfielder on United's transfer list, so they will only pay an appropriate transfer fee. Last summer, when his value soared after two excellent seasons, United planned to bid £75 million.
However, Brighton's asking price exceeded £100 million.
Now, United are believed to think a transfer fee of around £50 million is more reasonable. But it remains to be seen whether Brighton, led by the notoriously tough negotiator owner Tony Bloom, will accept this price.
Regarding Micky van de Ven: Need to Compete with Other Teams
In addition, United are also monitoring the center-back market. Some within United believe that Eden Haven and Lenny Yoro can develop into an excellent center-back partnership like Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba. But recruiters believe that to cope with the high intensity of Champions League matches, the team needs to sign a center-back.
Ideally, they want to sign a tall defender with excellent left-footed ability. Haven is developing in this direction, but Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez's form is worrying after injury-plagued seasons.
Harry Maguire is 33 years old, and although he is in good form, rotation is imperative considering the upcoming season with European competitions.
Micky van de Ven's name is also being considered. The 25-year-old gave an interview to Gary Neville in December last year about his career. Regardless of which division Tottenham Hotspur end up in, he is expected to attract interest from other teams and is likely to leave.
His contract does not expire until 2029, so his value is guaranteed. Ironically, Tottenham's relegation would actually pave the way for some of their top players to leave.
Van de Ven's defensive performance has been inconsistent this season, but he still scored 7 goals in 40 appearances, including an assist for Brennan Johnson at Old Trafford in 2024 that particularly stuck in the memory of United fans. His speed, dribbling ability, and tackling skills would be valuable assets for United.
However, Liverpool have shown interest in him in the past and may compete for him, as well as other top European clubs.
Regarding Elliott Anderson: Nottingham Forest Asking for Over £125 Million
Elliott Anderson, with his energetic playing style, has become United's top choice for midfield reinforcement, but Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is believed to want up to £125 million for him.
Forest boss Marinakis has shown his strong personal charm. Last summer, despite Tottenham's attempt to activate Morgan Gibbs-White's release clause, he still refused to let him go. However, if Forest are relegated, Anderson's value will naturally decrease.
If Anderson transfers, Manchester City are considered his preferred destination, but Rodri's future is also an important factor. Some insiders doubt whether City can renew Rodri's contract and are willing to spend over £100 million to sign Anderson. City are also considering other options, and Real Madrid are also believed to be a potential destination for Rodri.
Other Names on the List: Tonali? Walton? Tchouaméni?
Aurélien Tchouaméni, currently playing for Real Madrid, is also on United's discussion list. The 26-year-old French international is one of the few consistent performers at the Bernabéu this season, and it remains unclear whether
Real Madrid will let him leave, or even if he himself wants to join a new club.
It is not impossible that Tchouaméni will ultimately choose to renew his contract with Real Madrid instead of transferring.
Adam Walton, 22, is favored by United fans for his precise passing and excellent ball control. His consistent performances in the latter part of the season have been impressive, especially considering he has made 47 appearances for club and country.
But Crystal Palace's asking price may be too high for United to afford, as chairman Steve Parish has always been difficult to negotiate with directors of acquiring clubs.
Considering various factors, it is expected to be impossible for United to sign 25-year-old Sandro Tonali.
Matheus Fernandes of West Ham United, Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth, and João Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers are also on United's scouting list.
Although United hope to sign two midfielders, considering the team needs further strengthening, if both transfer fees exceed £70 million—similar to the prices of the three big-name players they signed last summer—this may exceed their budget this time.
