Manchester United have a decision to make. Michael Carrick is on track to lead the Red Devils to the Champions League, where he will stake a compelling claim to hold the job permanently.
Just a few months ago, when Ruben Amorim was sacked for his poor performance in the dugout, playing in Europe’s top competition seemed a far-fetched prospect. United were wasted and faced further frustration.
However, while the team currently sit third in the Premier League, there is no doubt that reinforcements are needed in a number of areas, although the outlook is optimistic. With Casemiro leaving the club, offensive reinforcements are also needed.
There’s a lot to consider, but INEOS is showing ambition. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Choameny is on the shortlist, but he is not the only one.
Manchester United target Premier League superstar
Manchester United could sign Carlos Baleva from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer if they want him. Although the combative midfielder has not raced this year, he is young and showed such quality throughout the 2024/25 season.
CB Baleva’s Premier League form | ||
|---|---|---|
Match statistics (* per 90) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
Match (start) | 34(31) | 27(20) |
Goal + Assist | 3+1 | 0+0 |
touch* | 54.0 | 31.2 |
Exact path* | 33.6 (88%) | 19.3 (86%) |
Opportunities created* | 0.6 | 0.2 |
Loss of ownership* | 8.0 | 5.1 |
Successful. dribble* | 1.0 | 0.4 |
Ball recovery rate* | 5.8 | 3.0 |
Tackle + Interception* | 3.7 | 2.0 |
Duel (win)* | 5.9 (55%) | 2.7 (48%) |
error that occurred | 3 times | 5 times |
A return to the Champions League would only increase the appeal of a move for INEOS, and Baleva will probably move to Old Trafford regardless, but United could be looking to move towards more ambitious goals, despite being disappointed that a move scheduled for 2025 didn’t happen.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rodgers is on Man United’s shortlist for the summer transfer window, according to the latest news from talkSPORT. Rodgers, 23, is one of the Premier League’s best attacking midfielders and signing him will not be easy as there are a number of suitors listed, not just from England.
Real Madrid are happy with the current situation and Aston Villa are willing to shell out at least £80m if Rodgers forces his way out this summer.
Why Rodgers could be a bigger Manchester United star than Baleva
Rodgers and Baleva could end up forming a great partnership at Manchester United, but the Aston Villa star is currently the one who would excite more Red Devils with his arrival.
Hailed by pundit Jamie Redknapp as ‘one of the best players in the world’, Rodgers brought a physicality and strong presence to the midfield and was used to creating goals by darting himself into dangerous areas to score.
He has been a driving force behind Unai Emery’s success at Villa Park in recent years, with 51 direct goal involvements in all competitions since the start of the 2024/25 season.
Jason Wilcox will be tasked with undercutting Villa’s exorbitant £80m price tag, but there is no denying Rodgers’ quality as one of the world’s most talented attackers and his ability to play on the left could strengthen United’s case for signing him.
His continued success puts him above deep midfielders like Baleva. He has world-class potential in his locker, but he needs to find it after the testing campaign.
The England international is not only a growing outlet in the final third, but also an immobile midfielder who influences play in many different phases, winning an average of 4.2 duels per Premier League game this season.
It would be impossible for the Red Devils to replace Bruno Fernandes, but Rodgers could be the next best thing as he is a player who will continue to develop over the next few years.
In that regard, he is a more exciting target and a bigger talent than Baleva, but having both in the team allows United fans to avoid comparisons and just enjoy themselves.
We don’t need Choameni: Manchester United have already sent their next Mainu out on loan
Manchester United’s midfield solution could be a little closer to home.
