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RUBEN AMORIM GREENLIGHTS MASSIVE £200M MAN UTD TRANSFER MASTERSTROKE

Man Utd are prioritising a £200m double midfield swoop for Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson to solve their long-standing midfield imbalance under Ruben Amorim.

Ruben Amorim greenlights massive £200m Man Utd transfer masterstroke
Amorim cashes in - Image via Manchester United

Manchester United is still having trouble settling into the season, despite its best attempts to turn things around. Following their worst season in recent memory, the Red Devils shelled out over £200million in the summer on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in an attempt to improve Ruben Amorim's forward line.

But even though one significant issue has been resolved, this campaign has brought up another long-standing difficulty. United continue to be troubled by an uneven midfield that is frequently overrun by inferior teams.

Club executives and Amorim are well aware of the necessity of investing in central midfield, as was previously stated. Additionally, the Red Devils plan to prioritise two acquisitions during the upcoming summer transfer window as part of their long-term rebuilding strategy.

Carlos Baleba is one name that keeps coming up. After an inquiry, the 21-year-old Brighton midfielder was strongly connected to a move to Old Trafford last summer. However, Brighton finally rejected United's interest in the player.

It is believed that despite Brighton's exorbitant asking price of almost £100 million, Amorim is still very interested in the Cameroon international, Baleba. You could say that is a price worth paying.

Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, another prodigy on United's radar, is priced between £100 million and £120 million. After his impressive performances for Forest and the England national team, the versatile midfielder—who can play as a No. 6 or as a roaming midfielder—has drawn a lot of attention.

Amorim has already put Anderson on their watchlist as one of the best talents in English football. The England star was hailed as a "very good player" by the Portuguese manager before their game against Forest this season. It appears that appreciation has now evolved into actual interest.

According to Sky Germany, the 23-year-old has no release clause, which gives Forest significant negotiating leverage. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to make every effort to get his services, though.

Although some may object to paying £200 million for both players, it is unquestionably a necessary investment. Compared to his existing alternatives, they would give Amorim far greater stability and balance in the middle of the pitch and serve as the team's midfield backbone for years to come.

This season, the Portuguese manager has been obliged to use Bruno Fernandes in a deeper midfield role inside his 3-4-2-1 system, pairing him with either the unimpressive Manuel Ugarte or the ageing Casemiro. In that position, the United captain’s defensive discipline and focus have occasionally been found wanting, with opposition sides capitalising to destructive effect.

By bringing in Anderson and Baleba, Fernandes would be able to return to his preferred position as one of the attacking playmakers working behind the striker, sharing the field with players like Cunha. The 31-year-old Portugal international has probably already given his finest performances while wearing a United shirt, so cutting back on his playing time could help the team and player in the future.

The playmaker, who almost joined Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal during the summer transfer window but turned down their attractive offer, might also be sold. United might be prudent to accept such a high price to finance their twin midfield swoop if they return with a bid of around £70 million.

Beyond their midfield issues, United may target Daniel Munoz, the right wing-back for Crystal Palace. Since joining from Belgian team Genk in 2024, the Colombian has made an impression at Selhurst Park. He recently acknowledged that wearing the renowned Red Devils shirt would be a "dream."

Even though Munoz has a deal with Palace through 2028, he seems to be considering his next move. He acknowledged, though, that he does not have any "solid information" that United or his other top targets, Barcelona, PSG, and Real Madrid, are actually interested in signing him.

His attributes would undoubtedly make him an asset to Amorim's team. The 29-year-old has made 81 Eagles appearances and scored eight goals. In addition to helping the team win the FA Cup and Community Shield, his unwavering work ethic and offensive skills made him a deserving successor to Diogo Dalot.

THOMAS TUCHEL AND CARLO ANCELOTTI RULE OUT MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER JOB VACANCY

Michael Carrick remains unbeaten as Man United manager! Read about his 2-0 win over City and why Tuchel and Ancelotti are ruled out.

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Manchester United’s Interim Boss Is Rewriting The Future Today

Manchester United are still searching for a new permanent manager after Ruben Amorim’s exit, even though Michael Carrick’s start as caretaker has turned some heads. Carlo Ancelotti’s already made it clear he’s not interested, and Thomas Tuchel just committed his future to England.

Carrick stepped in after Amorim got sacked last month, and so far, he’s done well. If the good results keep coming, United might offer him the job full-time, but they’re still looking at other options.

Tuchel was in the running for a while, but on Thursday, he signed a new deal with the England national team. He’s staying put until after Euro 2028.

Then there’s Ancelotti. He’s coaching Brazil now and looks set to extend his contract there soon. United reportedly had him on their list, but last year, the Italian pretty much ruled out returning to club football unless Real Madrid came calling.

Back in September 2025, Ancelotti spoke to L’Equipe about his future. He didn’t leave much room for doubt and said there’s only one European side he’d consider managing again.

“Real Madrid is the only team I will accept managing after Brazil,” Ancelotti said. So, with that and his new Brazil deal, United can cross his name off for good.

So, who takes over after this season? No one knows yet. Carrick, since stepping back in January, hasn’t lost a single match.

He kicked things off by leading United to a 2-0 win over Manchester City can’t ask for a better start. After that, they beat Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham, and then grabbed a last-minute draw against West Ham.

This unbeaten run has fans and pundits calling for Carrick to get the job permanently. After the win over Fulham, people wanted to know what he thought about his future. Carrick kept it honest: “Nothing’s changed, to be honest.

“I know what I’m here to do and what’s expected of me. We want success, and I want the club to be successful down the line—whether that’s with me or someone else.

“I can’t control what happens next. All I can do is try to make the team better and make United stronger. A handful of good results doesn’t change that. If it does, something’s off.

“You can’t just react to a few games, good or bad. It’s about building something solid.”

THE £70M HOMECOMING: WHY MAN UNITED DREAM OF RE-SIGNING SERIE A MVP SCOTT MCTOMINAY

Manchester United wants Scott McTominay back! Discover the £70m price tag and why Tottenham is eyeing Michael Carrick for manager.

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Napoli Demand €80m As United Prepare Bold Scott McTominay Transfer Offer

Manchester United want Scott McTominay back at Old Trafford, and it’s no secret what it’ll cost them. Meanwhile, Tottenham are eyeing a bold move for a new manager.

McTominay left United in August 2024, heading to Napoli for £25 million even though he’d just finished his best season yet, scoring some big goals and keeping Erik ten Hag in the job. Since then, he’s thrived in Italy. Last season, he helped Napoli win the Serie A title and even picked up the league’s MVP award. No wonder Premier League clubs are paying attention. United want him back, and they’re at the front of the queue.

The word from Italy is United “dream of a reunion. McTominay’s happy in Naples, but he’s got unfinished business at United and wants to prove his critics wrong. Napoli’s chief, Leonardo Giammarioli, admitted he’s worried about losing his star midfielder if a massive offer comes in. He even compared it to Nick Woltemade’s exit from Stuttgart.

Fraser Fletcher, our transfer guy, broke the story back in November that United and Arsenal are both looking at McTominay, and Spurs are interested too. But McTominay’s not leaving for just any club. He wants the right project. And it won’t be cheap. Napoli want at least €80m (£70m/$95m) if they’re going to let their 29-year-old star go.

For United, McTominay is one of several targets as they look to rebuild their midfield. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton are also on the list.

Now, about Michael Carrick: United loves what he’s done as interim boss. But they’re not the only ones. Graeme Bailey says Tottenham are seriously considering Carrick for their permanent manager job. Carrick played for both United and Spurs, and Tottenham already thought about him before hiring Thomas Frank last summer. His quick adjustment to Premier League management hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Spurs have brought in Igor Tudor as interim manager, but Carrick’s in the mix to take over this summer. Of course, it depends on whether United decide to keep him themselves. Sources say United are really impressed with his style and attitude, though they’re still weighing their options.

United aren’t just busy with managers; they’re scouting too. This weekend, they’ll have people watching Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu in the Derby d’Italia. Kalulu’s been all over the pitch for Juve, playing centre-back, right-back, and wing-back. Dimarco, on the other hand, has been electric for Inter at left wing-back, with six goals and 13 assists in 31 games. Both United and Arsenal are watching closely.

Dimarco might be easier to sign than Kalulu because of his contract. Inter want to extend his deal, but for now, it runs out in June 2027. United have been dreaming about him as their new left-back.

On another note, England rugby captain Maro Itoje spoke out against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments on immigration. “I disagree with the terminology and sentiments of what he said,” Itoje told the BBC. “I do not believe that immigrants have colonised Great Britain. That’s just not true, and it’s the wrong thing to say.

“I’m a proud Londoner, proud to play for and captain England. That’s one of my greatest accomplishments. But I’m also of Nigerian descent, and I’m proud of that heritage too.

“Honestly, I think Ratcliffe’s wording was clumsy, and his numbers were wrong. I saw he apologised, and I respect people who can admit when they’ve messed up and say sorry. So, credit to him for that.”

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