Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close watch on two young midfielders as they continue their hunt for a third addition to the middle of the park. The first name on the list is Manu Kone, the 22‑year‑old French international who impressed for AS Roma and shone at the recent World Cup. The second is Carlos Baleba, the 25‑year‑old Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker who has attracted interest from several top clubs despite a dip in form during last season.
According to Sky Sports News, United have long been interested in Baleba. Although his performances for Brighton were inconsistent, the Red Devils see his technical skill set and vision as a good fit for the style that Michael Carrick wants to implement. Sources say the club has begun to re‑evaluate a possible summer move for the Spaniard, but no formal approach has been made to Brighton yet. Any deal would also have to resolve a disagreement over the player's valuation, as the Seagulls are believed to be asking a premium for the midfielder.
Roma’s Kone is being considered as a potentially cheaper alternative. The Italian side are not expected to demand as high a fee as Brighton, making Kone an attractive option if United are looking to balance their books after already spending around £85 million on Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Kone’s performances at the World Cup, where he displayed composure on the ball, an ability to drive forward and a knack for creating chances, have put him on the radar of several European clubs. However, French sources told Sky Sports that while many clubs are monitoring him, United currently hold the strongest position in the race for his signature.
The Red Devils are also keeping an eye on Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, who, like his teammate Alex Scott, is entering the final two years of his contract and has attracted interest from multiple Premier League outfits. Adams, a versatile midfielder capable of playing both centrally and on the wing, is praised for his work rate and tactical intelligence.
Scott, meanwhile, has reportedly turned down a new contract with Bournemouth amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and United. The Cherries have made several offers to retain him, but the midfielder appears keen on exploring options elsewhere, especially after his recent involvement with the England squad. At present, United are not in a rush to finalize any of these midfield deals. The club’s scouting network continues to compile a long list of targets, weighing each player’s attributes against the squad’s needs and the financial constraints imposed by previous signings.
The recent arrivals of Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea, together costing roughly £85 million, have already bolstered the midfield options, but manager Erik ten Hag still seeks depth and competition for places. Baleba’s situation is particularly intriguing.
Despite a season where he struggled to maintain a consistent run of form, his underlying statistics—such as pass completion rate, key passes per 90 minutes, and progressive carries—remain impressive. United’s technical staff believe that, with the right coaching and a stable environment, Baleba could rediscover the level that made him one of the Premier League’s most promising young playmakers a few seasons ago.
The club is said to be monitoring his recovery from a minor injury that limited his appearances late in the campaign, and a successful rehabilitation could tip the scales in his favour. Kone, on the other hand, offers a different profile.
The Roma midfielder is known for his ability to operate between the lines, linking defense and attack with fluid passing and intelligent movement. His performances in the World Cup highlighted his capacity to handle pressure on the biggest stage, an attribute that United find appealing as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. While Roma may be reluctant to let go of a player who has become a key component of their midfield, the Red Devils’ reputation for developing talent could persuade them to negotiate a reasonable fee. Both players also bring commercial appeal.
Baleba, being a Spanish speaker with a growing fan base, could help United expand their reach in the Iberian market, while Kone’s French nationality aligns with the club’s existing connections in France, where several former United players have thrived. This off‑field consideration adds another layer to the decision‑making process. In summary, Manchester United’s midfield recruitment strategy this summer remains fluid.
While Kone and Baleba are currently the most prominently discussed candidates, the club continues to assess other options such as Tyler Adams and Alex Scott. No official offers have been confirmed, and any potential transfer will depend on negotiations over fees, contract terms and the players’ willingness to join a club that is rebuilding under Ten Hag’s guidance. United fans will have to wait for further updates as the transfer window progresses, but the club’s proactive approach suggests that more midfield reinforcements could be on the horizon.