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Carlos Baleba is Man Utd’s Top Midfield Summer Transfer Target

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Manchester United continue to be linked with new midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, but talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook believes that Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is their top target.

GIVEMESPORT sources have previously revealed that the Red Devils want to bring in two top central midfielders at the end of the season, with Casemiro departing then when his contract at Old Trafford expires.

It’s unclear whether Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence could impact those plans or whether two will still arrive, but there are plenty of names on their list.

Man United‘s summer transfer budget could be boosted significantly if they qualify for the Champions League next season, with caretaker manager Michael Carrick leading the club in third position, with the top five spots in the Premier League likely to guarantee a spot in Europe’s elite club competition in 2026-27.

Baleba Would be Perfect Foil for Mainoo

Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton & Hove Albion

While United have been linked with the likes of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is also a target for Manchester City, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, Crook believes that Brighton’s Baleba has always been their very top midfield target.

The 22-year-old has actually been underwhelming this term and he has been hooked at half-time on a number of occasions, including in the 22nd minute during the defeat to Aston Villa last month.

Speaking about Man United’s midfield situation ahead of the summer, Crook told talkSPORT:

“This might sound strange, because he’s not having the best season at Brighton, but I think Baleba would be the perfect foil for Mainoo. He’s more of a sitting midfielder, because Kobbie’s big strength for me is carrying the ball.

“Wharton’s range of passing is terrific but we’ve already got Bruno Fernandes who can do that. I guess if you’re looking for a combination of the two – Baleba and Wharton – that would be Anderson or Tonali, so it will be fascinating to see which of those players United stumble upon.

“The nagging sense in my mind, when you look at what happened last summer and that they made enquiries in January, is that Baleba has always been their number one target from that list of players.”

United Could be Left Disappointed

Jason Wilcox

While Crook believes that Baleba has always been the club’s number one midfield target, other reports have suggested that Elliot Anderson was the man they really wanted.

It seems to be quite a closely-contested transfer shortlist, but with rumours that Man City want Anderson and would be willing to offer him a better salary outside of United’s new wage structure, they could be left disappointed in that pursuit.

Anderson has previously been reported to be valued at £100m by Forest, with similar fees mentioned for Baleba, Wharton and Tonali too.

United’s preference could come down to who they can secure for a lower fee, which could potentially happen with Baleba following an underwhelming campaign at the Amex.

If United do decide to bring in two new players, they could also look at some cheaper options like West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, who has also been mentioned to Crook.

Who Would Complement Mainoo the Best?

manchester united mainoo

GIVEMESPORT decided to ask ChatGPT who out Baleba, Wharton, Anderson and Tonali would complement Mainoo the best in United’s central midfield, and this is what it said:

Best complement for Kobbie Mainoo: Sandro Tonali, with Adam Wharton a close tactical alternative.

Mainoo thrives as a press-resistant, progressive midfielder who carries the ball and links defence to attack, but he benefits from a partner who adds defensive structure and tempo control.

  • Tonali offers the best balance: elite positioning, defensive intensity, and deep playmaking, allowing Mainoo to progress the ball.
  • Wharton provides calm distribution and build-up control, forming a possession-dominant pivot.
  • Baleba adds ball-winning but risks slowing build-up.
  • Anderson brings energy and pressing but less control.

Overall, Tonali’s all-round defensive and playmaking profile complements Mainoo most effectively.

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick walks to his seat


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Man Utd Battling Arsenal in Race for World Cup Wonderkid

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Manchester United are reportedly battling it out with Arsenal for one of South America’s most promising talents.

Both the Red Devils and the Gunners have focused on building squads with the future in mind in past transfer windows. Take, for example, United poaching Ayden Heaven from the North Londoners back in February 2025.

United are continuing to target youngsters who can develop into top talent. The latest teenage prospect to be placed on the club’s shortlist is Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora.

Man Utd and Arsenal Among Clubs Eyeing Mora

Gilberto Mora (Mexico) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

According to Mexican outlet El Universal, Manchester United and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Mora in action during the World Cup. The Club Tijuana attacking midfielder has appeared twice for Mexico, including an impressive showing in a 3-0 win over Czechia.

Mora, only 17, is already featuring for his country on the biggest stage, and he’s tipped to become a superstar. It’s said that English interest in the playmaker has increased during the tournament.

At club level, he is making a name for himself, and he registered six goals and one assist in 20 games across competitions for Tijuana. His profile has been likened to that of Kevin De Bruyne, a superb passer who can dictate games with his impressive dribbling.

Mora made his club debut at the age of 16 and became the youngest ever goalscorer in Mexico’s top-flight. He has previously been on Manchester City’s radar, although there’s no indication that their scouts have also watched him at the World Cup.

Tijuana confirmed that Mora has signed a historic new deal, the club’s biggest ever contract. However, this includes an exit clause which allows him to move to a European club if suitable offers are made.

United Not Leading Race For Mora

Michael Carrick Mikel Arteta

English interest doesn’t mean Mora will end up in the Premier League, as he has also caught the eye of European clubs. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign the Mexican, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also admirers.

United may therefore have a real fight on their hands to try and win the race for the in-demand attacker. It’s important that they guarantee senior football for the player who will clearly prioritise regular first-team action.

Heaven is an example of a youth signing who has been brought into the first-team fold. Michael Carrick has blended youth with experience since replacing Ruben Amorim in January.


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Jacobs Issues ‘viable’ Verdict on Dream Man Utd Transfer

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Manchester United are said to have a chance of pulling off an impressive Real Madrid coup this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for midfielders this summer, with Michael Carrick needing to replace Casemiro, who departs at the end of his contract on Tuesday.

Carrick has already added Ederson from Atalanta, and more midfield recruits are required this summer. United have the money, and Carrick will be allowed to splurge on a marquee midfield signing.

West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is being heavily linked, but United are going to have to keep other avenues open amid competition.

Tchouameni linked with Old Trafford switch

Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates for France Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters

Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to United this summer. Tchouameni has been a steady performer at the Bernabeu, but he could be edged out of José Mourinho’s new starting XI this summer.

Mourinho wants a marquee midfield signing of his own, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez being linked, and should someone of the Argentine’s calibre arrive, an existing midfielder is going to lose his place in the starting XI.

That could be Tchouameni, and according to reports, United could exploit that to secure a dream deal for the talented Frenchman, who may be available for around £70million.

Real Madrid are not actively looking to sell Tchouameni, but a big offer could change their stance, especially if they get their big midfield signing. Tchouameni’s midfield teammate Eduardo Camavinga is more likely to be sold as far as Real Madrid are concerned, but again, it will come down to what offers come in.

Although journalist Nico Shira has claimed Tchouameni is not in Mourinho’s starting XI plans as things stand, claiming: “Aurelien Tchouameni is not central in Jose Mourinho’s plans and so he could leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.”

Tchouameni’s wages won’t be a problem for United

Michael Carrick

According to Ben Jacobs, Tchouameni’s sizable wages will not be an issue for United, and a deal could be on the cards, but only if Real Madrid do decide to sell.

Jacobs told The United Stand: “Tchouameni’s wages are not an issue in my opinion. Manchester United would be prepared to make a player like that one of their top earners. They’re not in that territory of £300,000 [per week] Rashford, Sancho-type wages, but nor is Tchouameni by the way.

“So I’m not aware that personal terms with Tchouameni would be a problem. The challenge is, what midfielder do Real sign? Is it in Tchouameni’s position? Even if it isn’t, do they bring in enough funds elsewhere, or do they need one big sale to make a play at Enzo Fernandez? Jose Mourinho has said he wants Enzo Fernandez, and this is why talks are expected to begin between Chelsea and Real Madrid.

“So I doubt Man Utd would be walking away from a prospective Tchouameni deal [based] on wages. I think they would hold some optimism that if the player genuinely becomes available, it’s a viable move.”


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South Korean Police Launch Investigation After Manager is Subject to Death Threats

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After missing out on a place in the round of 32 on goal difference, South Korea are heading home from the World Cup.

Everything looked like it was going to plan for the Taegeuk Warriors, after a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening match, but two successive defeats, to co-hosts Mexico and then to South Africa, have cost them dearly.

As with many nations who have high hopes of their side making a big push at the tournament, it sparked national outrage when it was confirmed they’d play no further part at the World Cup, but one post online has gone way too far, targeting the manager and former captain of the national side, Hong Myung-bo.

South Korea Boss Subjected to Death Threats Online

MixCollage-09-Aug-2024-03-52-PM-2673

In the wake of their exit, South Korean police have now launched an investigation after a violent death threat was posted online targeting Hong, one of Korea’s best players of all time. The post, made by someone who is supposedly a 41-year-old American citizen, threatened to kill Hong at Incheon International Airport upon his return home.


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Authorities are now considering intimidation charges and working to track down the suspect’s identity, as public anger over the team’s tournament exit continues to brew.

The threat represents a serious escalation of frustration that has already manifested in several other forms. A doctored image circulated online appeared to suggest Hong ordered players to scatter upon his arrival at the airport, while “Hong Myung-bo banned” notices have reportedly been posted at restaurants and cafes across Gyeonggi Province.

The anger largely stems from Korea’s 0-1 defeat to South Africa in their final Group A match, which they were heavily backed to win and progress into the knockout rounds. Police have confirmed they are monitoring Incheon Airport and other potential locations closely to ensure Hong’s safety upon his return.


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Hong Myung-bo’s Future

Hong Myung-Bo (South Korea) Kim Soo-Hyeon via Reuters

The situation reignited questions surrounding Hong’s controversial reappointment as head coach back in 2024, a decision that drew criticism over the transparency of the Korea Football Association’s selection process at the time.

A petition calling for his immediate dismissal had already gathered enough support to trigger an initial review by the National Assembly, and the president of South Korea was even involved, though Hong has since resigned from his position.


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Even so, the emergence of direct threats against his safety has shifted attention away from those administrative matters entirely, with authorities now focused on protecting him and holding whoever issued the threat accountable.

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