Manchester United are getting ready for a big shake-up in midfield this January.
Reports say the club is now looking to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s young star Carlos Baleba, with manager Rúben Amorim and INEOS seeing him as their dream signing.
But this move could spell the end for Manuel Ugarte, who has struggled to impress since joining United.
Amorim wants stronger midfield options
Since taking over at Old Trafford, Rúben Amorim has been trying to find his perfect midfield pairing.
He’s used several combinations, but none have truly clicked for a long time. Lately, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been his two main men in the middle.
The pair have started the last five Premier League matches together, and United have stayed unbeaten during that run.
That’s good news for the team, but with Casemiro now 33 years old, it’s clear he’s nearing the end of his top-level career.
United need fresh legs in midfield, and that’s why the club’s focus has turned to young and energetic players who can handle the pace and power of Premier League football.
United plan record-breaking move for Baleba
According to fresh reports, Manchester United are ready to make a club-record £100m bid for Carlos Baleba in January.
The Brighton midfielder has impressed scouts with his strong defensive play, quick passing, and ability to carry the ball forward under pressure.
The 21-year-old from Cameroon has been one of Brighton’s standout players this season, showing maturity beyond his years.
He’s comfortable on the ball, wins duels, and doesn’t shy away from tough challenges. It’s no surprise that INEOS and Amorim believe he could be the key to controlling games from midfield.
Baleba’s signing would be another big statement from United’s new leadership, showing they’re serious about rebuilding the team with young, top-quality talent.
However, such a high transfer fee also puts pressure on the club and could push a current player out of the squad.
What this means for Ugarte
United fans had high hopes for Manuel Ugarte when he joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for around £50m.
He was expected to bring energy, aggression, and control to the midfield. But after just one year, his form has taken a serious dip.
Ugarte has only managed two league starts this season, and it looks like Amorim no longer trusts him as a regular starter.
If Baleba arrives for £100m, Ugarte could be the one to make way. It’s unlikely United will keep both players when they play in a similar role.
The club might look to sell Ugarte next summer to recover some of the money they invested in him.
Baleba’s numbers this season are far better than Ugarte’s. The Brighton youngster has started most games, completing more passes, winning more duels, and showing more confidence on the ball.
His passing accuracy sits around 86%, and he’s also been strong in tackles and interceptions. Simply put, Baleba looks like a more complete and reliable player.
United’s rebuild under INEOS
Since INEOS took charge, there’s been a clear plan to bring in younger, faster, and hungrier players to refresh the squad.
They want players who can play Amorim’s high-energy style, pressing hard and attacking quickly. Signing Baleba would fit perfectly into that vision.
United have already shown signs of improvement this season, but to challenge at the top, they need more consistency and control in midfield.
Amorim knows that without a strong engine room, his team can’t compete with the best.
Baleba would give United that balance — he’s physical, smart, and comfortable both in and out of possession.
He could form a powerful partnership with Bruno Fernandes, giving United more dominance in midfield.
A long-term solution
Spending £100m on a 21-year-old is a massive risk, but it could pay off in the long run. Baleba has already shown he can handle Premier League football.
With more experience and the right coaching, he could become one of the best midfielders in Europe.
For Ugarte, this move could mean the end of his time at Old Trafford unless he fights back and proves his worth.
Football can change quickly, but right now, Baleba looks like the player who can take United’s midfield to the next level.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba shows that big changes are coming. Amorim and INEOS want a young and dynamic squad that can dominate games, and Baleba fits that plan perfectly.
If the move goes through, it would be one of the biggest transfers in the club’s history and possibly the start of a new era in midfield.
But for Manuel Ugarte, it could mean the writing’s on the wall. His dream move to Old Trafford might soon come to an end if Baleba walks through the door.
One thing’s for sure, January could be a huge month for Manchester United, and fans will be watching closely to see if this £100m deal becomes a reality.
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