Manchester United transfer news as United decide against strengthening one of the worrying positions in Ruben Amorim's squad
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba(Image: PA)
Manchester United splashed over £210million on their summer transfer business but failed to bring in a new midfielder. After recording their worst season in 51 years, the Reds opted to prioritise their attack.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko were all brought in for big-money before the Premier League season began. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was the final arrival on deadline day to become the fourth senior goalkeeper at the club.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United did not consider strengthening their midfield as a priority in the summer. It's believed that the midfield was not at the top of their to-do list due to the options at the club viewed as strong and versatile.
Brighton & Hove Albion's £100m valuation of Carlos Baleba meant United's interest in the Cameroon international never materialised. Atalanta's Ederson, Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller and Corentin Tolisso were all also linked but United stood firm on other targets.
As a result, Amorim will have to make do with his options, for the first-half of the season at the very least. However, if they are desperate to add a new face to their midfield, they have the option of turning to the free agent market.
Following the turnover of players in the summer, many players are still without clubs and are able to be signed. Former United star Christian Eriksen remains available after the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford.
29-year-old Josh Brownhill reportedly turned down a move to Wolves late in the window and is still without a club. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is yet to find a new team after leaving Besiktas.
Oriol Romeu left Barcelona in the summer and is available alongside former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko. Josh Dasilva carries Premier League experience after departing Brentford in June.
It remains to be seen whether United will even consider dipping into the free agent market but there are options if they decide to do so.
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