Manchester United continue to scour the transfer market for a third midfielder to bolster their squad, and two names have emerged as front‑runners: Manu Kone of AS Roma and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion. Both players have attracted sustained interest from the Red Devils, and the club’s recruitment team, led by former United midfielder Michael Carrick, are weighing the pros and cons of each prospect while also keeping an eye on other potential signings. Baleba, the 22‑year‑old Spaniard who joined Brighton from the youth ranks of Real Madrid, has been on United's radar for some time. Sky Sports News previously reported that the club holds a long‑term interest in the creative midfielder, despite a dip in form during the 2022‑23 season.
While his numbers at Brighton were not as prolific as expected, his technical ability, vision and capacity to link play between defence and attack remain highly regarded. United have reportedly revisited a possible summer move for Baleba, but no formal approach has been made to Brighton yet. Negotiations would need to overcome a valuation gap, as the Seagulls are believed to price the player higher than United would like to pay. Should a compromise be reached, Baleba could provide a fresh, attacking spark to United’s midfield, complementing the more defensive profiles of existing players.
In parallel, Roma’s Manu Kone has been identified as an alternative target. The 25‑year‑old French international impressed on the world stage at the recent World Cup, showcasing his ball‑winning instincts, composure under pressure, and ability to drive forward from deep. Sources in France have told Sky Sports that, despite interest from clubs across Europe, United currently sit at the top of the race for Kone’s signature. Unlike Brighton’s asking price, Roma are expected to be more flexible on the transfer fee, making Kone a financially attractive option for a club that has already spent a combined £85 million on midfield acquisitions this window – Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
While both Kone and Baleba remain under consideration, United are careful not to rush any decisions. The club’s scouting network continues to monitor a long list of midfield targets, including Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams. Adams, like fellow Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, is entering the final two years of his contract and has attracted interest from several Premier League sides.
United have also secured the services of Tielemans and Santos, indicating a willingness to invest heavily in the middle of the park, yet they remain open to adding a third player who can either provide depth or compete for a starting berth. The situation surrounding Alex Scott adds another layer of complexity. Sky Sports reported earlier in the week that the 24‑year‑old turned down a new contract offer from Bournemouth, despite the club’s attempts to retain him with several proposals. Scott is reportedly linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and United, all of whom have expressed strong interest.
Marco Rose’s Bournemouth side is reluctant to sell the talented midfielder, who is still under contract for two more years, and has already rebuffed inquiries from the Premier League trio. Nevertheless, the player’s performances for England at the World Cup have raised his profile, making him a coveted acquisition for any top‑flight club.
United’s transfer strategy this summer appears to be a blend of immediate reinforcement and long‑term planning. After splashing £85 million on Tielemans and Santos, the club has demonstrated a willingness to spend where it deems necessary, but it is also mindful of squad balance, wage structure and the need to avoid over‑stocking any one position.
The midfield, in particular, is a key area where United seek to improve creativity, defensive solidity and transitional speed. Adding a player like Baleba could inject a more progressive passing range, while Kone offers a blend of physicality and technical skill that could thrive in Sir Erik ten Hag’s system. Beyond the midfield, United are also assessing other areas of the squad that may require upgrades, such as full‑back depth, attacking wing options and a reliable backup striker.
The club’s recruitment department is therefore juggling multiple priorities, and any decision on a third midfielder will be made only after a thorough assessment of how each candidate fits into the overall tactical blueprint. In summary, Manchester United are actively evaluating two promising midfielders – Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba – as part of their ongoing search for a third signing in that department. While Baleba’s form has fluctuated, his potential remains high, and United are reportedly in talks about a possible summer move, pending an agreement on valuation with Brighton. Kone, meanwhile, appears to be a more affordable alternative, with Roma expected to negotiate a reasonable fee for the French international who shone at the World Cup.
The club is also keeping tabs on other targets like Tyler Adams and Alex Scott, but there is no rush to finalize any deal. United’s recent acquisitions of Tielemans and Santos show a willingness to invest, yet the final decision will hinge on how each prospect aligns with the manager’s tactical vision and the club’s broader transfer strategy.