Manchester United’s exciting and short-lived pursuit of Carlos Baleba has ended with Brighton’s stance of “not for sale,” but their business in the window is far from done.
Ruben Amorim’s transfer demand for an athletic midfielder means United will still buy a new midfielder, while there is a gaping hole at another position as well.
More importantly, United have finalised just one major outgoing, that of Marcus Rashford, which means the end of the window could turn into an exit blitz.
Here’s what Man Utd’s ideal XI could look like after the Baleba chase ended. Five exits and two new signings give this team a fresh look.
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
Besides a midfielder, United’s biggest pain point in the squad is at goalkeeper, where Andre Onana is not likely to leave, but an upgrade is needed.
Gianluigi Donnarumma won’t happen, which means a young goalkeeper with upside should arrive. Enter Senne Lammens.
Altay Bayindir will take advantage of the extended Turkish transfer window (ends Sept 12) and make way for Lammens, who can challenge and eventually usurp Onana.
Centre-backs: Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven
Leny Yoro had a sterling pre-season, and Amorim has tipped him to be one of the best in the world. He’s undroppable as it stands.
Matthijs de Ligt is hoping to build on an encouraging 2024/25, and his pre-season role means he’s the clear choice over Harry Maguire for the central centre-back spot to start with.
Ayden Heaven showed signs of greatness in just four Premier League games last season. His true breakout season begins here.
Right wing-back: Amad
Amad has been preparing for this role since the start of the season, and his partnership with Bryan Mbeumo should be exciting.
Left wing-back: Patrick Dorgu
The other big winner of pre-season, alongside Yoro, Dorgu has been sensational in a dynamic role at left wing-back. Expect him to become one of United’s most important players.
Defensive midfield: Bruno Fernandes, Hayden Hackney
Bruno Fernandes will be a creator this season, and he will be helped by United’s £20m signing, Hayden Hackney.
Morten Hjulmand is a more direct comparison to Baleba in midfield, but United might go for a budget option in Hackney, who would thrive with Baleba next season, if he arrives. This is a midfield full of excitement and athleticism.
Attacking midfield: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo
No prizes for guessing that the two new signings take these spots and dovetail with another new signing ahead of them.
Striker: Benjamin Sesko
Amorim is a fan already, and Sesko will be given plenty of time and patience to learn on the job and realise his vast potential.
United’s net spend this season is already beyond £200m, so expect them to bring that down by making smart purchases of Lammens and Hackney, while finalising six exits.
Altay Bayindir, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, and Rasmus Hojlund will likely bring at least £80m in sales, including any potential loan fees, and that’s at the lower end of the estimation scale.
The savings over the whole year in wages will easily exceed £20-25 million, leaving them to attack next summer’s market with a restocked war chest and, hopefully, European football.
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