United's Midfield Crisis Sparks Major Transfer Plan
Despite a massive £200million summer spending spree, Manchester United continue to struggle with a fundamental imbalance in their squad. The historic club's persistent midfield issues have prompted manager Ruben Amorim and the club's hierarchy to target a dramatic double swoop in the upcoming transfer window.
The £200m Double Deal: Baleba and Anderson
United are preparing to invest heavily in their engine room, with two primary targets identified. The first is Carlos Baleba, the 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder. United's interest is long-standing, with an enquiry made last summer, but Brighton's firm stance and £100million asking price prevented a move.
Amorim remains a strong admirer of the Cameroonian international and believes the substantial fee could represent a worthwhile investment for the future. The second name high on the shortlist is Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old England international is valued between £100m and £120m and is admired for his versatility, capable of playing as a defensive anchor or a roaming midfielder.
Sky Germany reports that Anderson does not have a release clause, giving Forest a strong negotiating position. However, United are reportedly prepared to push hard to secure his signature, seeing the combined £200m outlay as essential for building a midfield backbone for the next decade.
Strategic Shift: Freeing Fernandes and Potential Sales
The acquisition of both players would facilitate a significant tactical shift for Amorim. This season, he has been forced to deploy captain Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role within his 3-4-2-1 formation, partnering him with an ageing Casemiro or an underwhelming Manuel Ugarte. This has exposed Fernandes's defensive limitations and hampered the team's overall balance.
Signing Baleba and Anderson would allow the 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker to return to his preferred advanced role, sharing duties with the likes of Matheus Cunha. This managed workload could help prolong Fernandes's effectiveness at the top level.
There is also the strategic possibility of cashing in on Fernandes. He nearly joined Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the summer before rejecting their offer. If a bid in the region of £70million is tabled next summer, United may consider it a prudent move to help finance their ambitious midfield rebuild.
Additional Reinforcements: The Munoz Factor
Looking beyond the midfield, United are also monitoring Crystal Palace right wing-back Daniel Munoz. The 29-year-old Colombian has been impressive since arriving in 2024 and has openly stated it would be a "dream" to play for Manchester United.
While Munoz is contracted to Palace until 2028 and admits he has no concrete information on United's interest, his profile fits Amorim's system. With eight goals in 81 appearances for the Eagles, his attacking prowess and work rate could make him a long-term successor to Diogo Dalot.
This comprehensive approach signals a clear intent from United to address systemic weaknesses and build a more competitive and balanced squad under Ruben Amorim's guidance.
