Manchester United remain actively engaged in the hunt for a third midfield addition, with two young talents emerging as front‑runners: Manu Kone, currently plying his trade at AS Roma, and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion. Both players have attracted considerable attention from the Red Devils, and the club’s scouting network has been monitoring their progress closely as it seeks to bolster a midfield that already features recent signings such as Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
The interest in Baleba is not new. Sky Sports News has previously highlighted United’s long‑term fascination with the 22‑year‑old Spaniard, despite a dip in form during the previous Premier League season. Michael Carrick’s coaching staff still regard Baleba’s technical attributes—particularly his vision, passing range and ability to operate in tight spaces—as valuable assets for the squad.
Sources suggest that United have revisited the possibility of a summer move for Baleba, although no formal approach has yet been made to Brighton. Negotiations would likely hinge on reaching a mutually acceptable valuation, as the Seagulls are reputed to have set a relatively high price tag for the midfielder.
In parallel, Roma’s Manu Kone has surfaced as an alternative option that could prove more financially realistic. The French international, who turned heads at the recent World Cup with a series of composed displays in midfield, is believed to be priced lower than Baleba, making him an attractive proposition for a club that must balance ambition with fiscal prudence. Sky Sports reports that French insiders confirm United are currently the leading bidder for Kone, even as other European clubs keep tabs on the 25‑year‑old. However, any suggestion that a deal is imminent would be premature; the Red Devils are still weighing the full package—including wage demands, contract length and the player’s fit within Carrick’s tactical blueprint.
United’s midfield recruitment strategy this summer is broader than just Kone and Baleba. Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams also remains on the club’s radar. Like fellow target Alex Scott, Adams is entering the final two years of his contract with the Cherries and has sparked interest from several Premier League outfits. The club’s willingness to entertain offers has been tempered by a desire to retain key talent, especially as they aim to improve upon a challenging season.
Alex Scott, another midfielder linked with United, reportedly turned down a new deal from Bournemouth earlier this week. The Cherries have made multiple proposals, but the 24‑year‑old appears to be leaning toward a move, given the interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. Marco Rose’s side is reluctant to lose a player of Scott’s calibre, particularly as he approaches the final two years of his contract, and they have already rebuffed inquiries from the Premier League trio. Nonetheless, United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all believed to be in contention, with Scott having recently returned from the England World Cup squad, further raising his profile.
While United have already secured two midfielders—Tielemans for an undisclosed fee from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a combined outlay of roughly £85 million—their recruitment committee appears to be taking a measured approach. Rather than rushing to complete a third signing, the club is compiling a comprehensive list of targets, evaluating each player’s technical strengths, adaptability to Carrick’s system and overall cost‑effectiveness.
This methodical process also extends to other areas of the squad, as United continue to assess potential upgrades in defense, attack and on the wings. The broader context of United’s transfer activity this window reflects a desire to blend experience with youthful dynamism. Tielemans brings Premier League experience and a proven goal‑scoring record from midfield, while Santos offers raw potential and versatility. Adding a player like Kone or Baleba could inject additional creativity and ball‑progression capabilities, addressing the occasional lack of fluidity observed in United’s recent matches.
Moreover, both players possess international experience—Kone with France’s national team and Baleba with Spain’s youth set‑ups—which could prove valuable in high‑pressure fixtures. Financially, United must navigate the post‑pandemic market where clubs are increasingly cautious with spending.
The reported £85 million combined fee for Tielemans and Santos already represents a significant investment, and any further expenditure will need to be justified by on‑field impact. Consequently, negotiations with Roma and Brighton are likely to focus heavily on performance‑related add‑ons, sell‑on clauses and structured payment plans to mitigate immediate cash outflow. In summary, Manchester United’s pursuit of a third midfield signing is characterised by a blend of strategic patience and proactive scouting. Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba stand out as the most prominent candidates, each offering a distinct set of attributes that could complement the existing midfield core.
Simultaneously, the club continues to monitor other prospects such as Tyler Adams and Alex Scott, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent. As the summer transfer window progresses, United’s hierarchy will weigh the merits of each option, balancing on‑field needs with financial realities, before making a decisive move that could shape the team’s fortunes for the upcoming season.