Manchester United’s midfield department has fallen way below the standards expected from the fanbase during recent seasons - undoubtedly contributing to their lowly Premier League standing in 2024/25.
Ruben Amorim, who’s been in the role since November last year, still has yet to find the perfect combination between the two midfielders in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes is almost certain to operate in one of the aforementioned roles after Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were brought into Old Trafford during the summer.
Manchester United's Matheus Cunha
Casemiro has been the player to feature alongside him so far this campaign, but questions are undoubtedly being asked about his long-term future given the Brazilian turns 34 in February.
Manuel Ugarte is another option currently at the manager’s disposal, but he evidently wanted further reinforcements given their activity in the summer transfer window.
Why Man Utd wanted to sign Baleba this summer
During the summer transfer window, United made their move to land Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in an attempt to bolster the midfield department.
The Red Devils even entered talks with the player and his representatives over a move to join the club, but the £100m asking price proved to be a huge stumbling block.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba
A lot was made about the move for the 21-year-old, but why did Amorim desperately want the youngster?
He made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring three times, including a phenomenal long-range strike against West Ham United back in April.
However, his underlying stats highlight how impressive he was out of possession, subsequently winning 1.6 tackles per 90 - undoubtedly providing the ball-winning presence the side have lacked.
Baleba also came out on top in 6.7 duels per 90, also making 6.6 recoveries per 90, showcasing his phenomenal ability without the ball at his feet on the South Coast.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Manchester City's Omar Marmoush
Missing out on such a talent will have been a bitter blow for the Red Devils' ambitions in 2025/26, but Amorim may be forced to rely upon one player already plying his trade in Manchester.
The United star who’s a bigger talent than Baleba
The last few months under Amorim have been unsuccessful to say the least, with the 40-year-old only achieving a 40% win percentage over the last 10 months at the helm.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts after the match
His 3-4-2-1 system requires a very specific type of player - especially in the midfield department - with a deeper option needed alongside the attacking Fernandes at the heart of the side.
Ugarte would appear the best fit, but his lack of form has led to cause for concern - especially after the hierarchy forked out £50m for his signature last summer.
Kobbie Mainoo has struggled to cement his place under the former Sporting CP boss, only starting 19 league games to date and often having to resort to minutes off the substitutes' bench.
A future "£100m-plus footballer" in the words of United writer Alex Turk, the youngster is adored by many at Old Trafford after his rapid rise to stardom, becoming a key member of the side under Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 campaign.
Mainoo debut season at Man United (timeless)
However, his lack of action has led to the player himself voicing his displeasure at his lack of action, even requesting a loan move away from his boyhood club in the recent window.
No move materialised away from Old Trafford, with the Englishman deserving of the opportunity to start on a regular basis - hopefully replicating the numbers he produced last season and helping the Red Devils rise up the table.
When comparing his figures to those of Baleba from 2024/25, Mainoo managed to outperform him in key areas - showcasing the quality he possesses despite his tender age.
Mainoo, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by journalist Phil Brown, won more tackles per 90 (1.6) whilst also achieving a better tackle success rate (61%).
How Mainoo & Baleba compared in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Key passes made
Tackles won
% of tackles won
Take-ons completed
Carries into opposition box
Stats via FBref
Such figures showcase that the youngster is actually a better ball-winner than Baleba, with the decision to keep hold of him this summer a blessing in disguise if he can replicate such numbers.
He also dominated in possession, completing more of the passes he attempted (87%) and completing more take-ons per 90 (1.3) - which could allow him to progress the play and provide the new additions ahead of him with key chances in the final third.
kobbie-mainoo-united
There’s no denying Baleba would’ve offered another excellent option at the heart of Amorim’s side, but ultimately, his £100m asking price was way out of range given the previous business conducted.
As for Mainoo, he’s more than deserving of a run in the first-team to regain his starting position, with Amorim desperately needing to utilise the youngster in their hunt for success.