Striker signing, Carlos Baleba worry, left-back solution – Manchester United questions answered

How will Baleba fit into United’s midfield?

United need to add a player who can provide mobility and more cover for the defence with their third midfield signing, and Baleba ticks those boxes. He has more strings to his bow than just winning the ball back, though, and that’s why United have been so keen on him for a while.

Baleba will add legs to the midfield and handle the bulk of the defensive work in the centre of the pitch. Interceptions, duels and turnovers are his meat and drink, but he’s also a decent passer.

If he signs he will play at the base of the midfield, raising the possibility that he will build a strong relationship with Andrey Santos, and he could be the perfect foil for Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans. United planned to overhaul their midfield this summer, and the department will look strong if they can sign Baleba.

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Baleba is a good player, but he’s not at the level for United. Do you agree it’s a big mistake?

I’ve made no secret of the fact I haven’t been a believer in Baleba over the last 12 months, but when the context of the market and the profile of player United need to sign as their third midfield addition are considered, it adds up to the 22-year-old being a good signing.

Brighton wanted in excess of £100m for Baleba last summer. United are hopeful they can sign him for less than £75m, so they will get a value deal if an agreement can be reached with the Seagulls.

But Brighton have knocked down their valuation because Baleba was disappointing last season. He was hooked twice at half-time in the first half of the campaign, and he made just eight league starts in the second half of the season after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Baleba looked like a top talent in 2024/25. United believe he can regain that form and take it to another level, with the data department admiring his underlying metrics.

Then just take a look at the current state of the market. United missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window, and most of the midfielders who are still available don’t have much appeal.

Why is the club not signing another striker?

The last time I spoke to a club source about United potentially signing a striker this summer, they suggested it was down the priority list. But many other supporters would like to see it moved up the transfer to-do list, so you’re not alone in thinking United need to strengthen in that area.

Benjamin Sesko is the only recognised striker in the squad, but United have a handful of players who can play down the middle, such as Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and potentially even Amad.

United have considered striker options during the window, whilst knowing that other areas were the priority, and whether a move is made or not will depend on Joshua Zirkzee’s position.

Michael Carrick claimed at his press conference on Thursday that no player has expressed a desire to leave and that he expects no outgoings, but Zirkzee has attracted interest from Italy, so it’s one to keep an eye on.

We are short on the left side of the defence. What are the plans to fill this gap?

United would like to sign a left-back once the third midfield signing is wrapped up. The question is: who could that player be? Newcastle will not sell Lewis Hall in this transfer window and there has been talk in the north east about him signing a new contract.

Speaking earlier this week, Mikel Arteta said that Myles Lewis-Skelly will stay at the Emirates this season. Racing de Santander defender Jorge Salinas is also an interesting name that has cropped up, along with Alejandro Balde.

It feels like United could spring another surprise in the market with a left-back signing. There won’t be much budget left, so a player at the lower end of the price scale could be brought in to be a deputy to Luke Shaw.

Will United give Amass the chance to take over at left-back in the future?

The Harry Amass situation has split opinion among fans. Some believe he is ready to contribute to the first team, while others feel he should spend another season on loan in the Championship.

For me, Amass has done enough to deserve a crack at being around the first team this season. He was excellent for Sheffield Wednesday on loan, and he has looked sharp throughout pre-season this summer.

It might not be that simple, though. Amass wants to play regular football after getting a taste of it last term, and that might push him towards the exit door.

Whether Amass is given a chance to take over from Shaw in the future could depend on what happens in the next two weeks.