Man Utd set sights on £35m midfielder better than Carlos Baleba in one key area

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Manchester United may have had a very strong summer transfer window but signing a new midfielder remains on the agenda.

It has been unanimously decided that Manchester United were excellent during the Premier League opener against Arsenal.

Despite United losing the game, it was a false representation of the performances both sides put in, as Ruben Amorim’s side were by far the better team and come out of the clash fairly unlucky not to have beaten the Gunners.

United were dominant at Old Trafford, although ultimately, Arsenal were able to sit on their undeserved lead by the scrape of their teeth, all while Viktor Gyokeres had a terrible debut for the Gunners.

Matheus Cunha was sensational for United, getting 70,000 or so people off their feet on numerous occasions, which is an early sign that he will be a fan favourite.

So while things are looking good right now at Old Trafford, there is still a need for midfield reinforcements.

• READ: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2025/26

Manchester United plotting move for Lucien Agoume

Midfield is a position that United fans have wanted to see strengthened for much of this summer, and it appears to be the current priority.

Carlos Baleba was United’s top option, with a bid even on the cards, but with little encouragement that Brighton that they’re open to selling, it now looks like the club are set to move on – although could revisit Baleba next summer.

Now, Sevilla based outlet Orgullo Biri has reported that United have identified Frenchman Lucien Agoume as a target for this summer.

Agoume is very similar to Baleba and so is a logical second choice and now United have set their sights on the midfielder.

Agoume would be a bargain midfield upgrade for United, with a £35m release clause, which is incredibly good value, although another Spanish outlet, Ficherio, have claimed that United are willing to pay between £22m and £26m.

While Agoume won’t be as exciting an addition as Baleba may have been, he may end up being just as good.

• READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day

How Lucien Agoume compares to Carlos Baleba

With a new midfielder signing, United will need physicality and athleticism, both things which Agoume would bring in an abundance.

The similarities between Agoume and Baleba will be drawn after this link, and rightfully so as they are quite similar in terms of their qualities.

Carlos Baleba vs Lucien Agoume

Agoume has better defensive statistics than Baleba, which is where United need a midfielder to shine, while he also has more progressive passes.

For a quarter of the price or so that Baleba would cost, Agoume is an excellent option to likely be a future Casemiro replacement in the squad, but absolutely becomes an immediate starter.