Manchester United have been known to splash the cash over the last couple of years, spending over £800m on new additions for the side since the summer of 2022.
Erik ten Hag was responsible for the vast majority of such spending, having five windows to make the additions he thought would transform the club’s fortunes.
The likes of Casemiro, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund were all brought in under the Dutchman’s guidance, with the latter two departing the Red Devils in the closing stages of the recent window.
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Rasmus Hojlund and Antony celebrate Man Utd goal.
However, current boss Ruben Amorim has also spent in the region of £200m alone this window, securing the signatures of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Such funds are way higher than any supporter would’ve expected, but it may have been an even bigger shopping spree had they completed a deal for Carlos Baleba.
Man Utd’s hunt for Baleba this summer
In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, United targeted various options in the Premier League, with Adam Wharton just one name on their shortlist.
However, Brighton star Baleba was undoubtedly the biggest target, with Amorim’s side making an approach for the Cameroonian international’s signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic
While at one stage the player himself seemed keen on a switch to Old Trafford, a move failed to materialise as the Seagulls were reluctant to offload the 21-year-old talent.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side stated that they wanted a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with Baleba, but such a figure was out of the Red Devils' budget after their previous dealings in the window.
It remains unclear whether the hierarchy will return for his services in 2026, but it’s clear that the board have been targeting added reinforcements in the middle of the park.
However, despite their attempts in the market, United already have a hugely talented player in their ranks - with his recent rise now seeing his value soar over recent months.
The United talent who’s worth more than Baleba
Over the last couple of years, United have shifted their focus to recruiting younger talent to try and decrease the age of the current first-team squad.
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The side for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign currently has an average age of 25.6, with the age range in the side having players placed between 17 and 39.
Casemiro is currently one of the midfield options currently at Amorim’s disposal, but the Brazilian, who is now 33, is entering the final years of his career and desperately needs to be moved on in the near future.
Youngster Kobbie Mainoo is another player who is available to Amorim in that department, but despite his success on the field in recent times, he’s fallen down the manager’s pecking order.
After his dream 2023/24 campaign, which saw an FA Cup final goal and a late strike against rivals Liverpool, many supporters would’ve expected the 20-year-old to be a first-team regular by now.
Mainoo
The 20-year-old, who’s been labelled “generational” by teammate Hojlund, only made 25 league appearances last season, 19 of which were from a starting role, with the likes of Casemiro often being selected ahead of the academy graduate.
His only start in 2025/26 so far came in the Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby Town - leading to the player himself asking for a loan spell away from his boyhood side.
Kobbie Mainoo - PL stats (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Pass accuracy
Tackles won
Interceptions made
Blocks made
Take-on success
Carries into 18-yard box
Recoveries made
Tackle success rate
Stats via FBref
However, such a request was immediately dismissed, resulting in the player needing to fight for a place within the first-team squad - until January at the earliest.
Despite his recent lack of action, Mainoo has seen a swift upturn in his market value, with FootballTransfers now valuing the Englishman at a staggering £57.8m.
Such a figure is now higher than the value of Baleba, who’s now valued at just £49.1m by the same site despite his recent valuation by the club in the summer window.
Given the aforementioned price tags, it’s clear that Mainoo is still a young talent with huge potential, with Amorim desperately needing to hand him consistent minutes in the months ahead.
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He’s already showcased he’s capable of thriving at Old Trafford, but he needs the manager’s backing to do so, which could potentially put a permanent end to their hunt for Baleba.