Manchester United fans have been understandably annoyed by many of the decisions made at Old Trafford in recent years.
The first year of Ineos ownership was controversial, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new leadership team all attracting criticism for the way Manchester United have been operating.
Cost-cutting measures such as the mass job cuts and the rise in ticket prices have angered fans, and the terrible on-pitch results have not helped matters.
The summer transfer window was a chance for Ineos to take action and strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad, and United spent £232m on five signings.
While United’s summer window was a success, Ineos did fall short in their pursuit of signing a new midfielder.
Carlos Baleba in Brighton training kit
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Ineos justified over summer Carlos Baleba snub
In the search for a new midfielder, United were ready to bid for Carlos Baleba after identifying the Brighton midfielder as an ideal profile.
Once the rumours emerged, United fans were desperate to sign Baleba, and it was a frustrating end to the window that a midfielder didn’t arrive.
However, Brighton were demanding £100m+ for Baleba so United walked away from a deal and ended the window without bringing in a new midfielder.
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But United’s interest in Carlos Baleba might be dwindling following his unimpressive start to the season.
As pointed out by iNews, Baleba has managed less than half the number of tackles per 90 minutes, far fewer passes per 90 minutes and significantly fewer touches too.
They add that he is “a shadow of the midfielder with a £100m price tag.”
Data provided via Sofascore highlights Baleba’s lack of impact this season, where he has averaged only 25.9 touches per game despite starting five out of seven matches.
Carlos Baleba infographic
Carlos Baleba infographic
Man United should rethink 2026 Carlos Baleba plan
Baleba was open to joining United in the summer, but ultimately his price tag was too unrealistic for Ineos to pursue a deal.
Recently, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler admitted the United links could be affecting Baleba this season, with the young midfielder struggling to match the level he achieved in 2024/25.
Reports over the summer claimed United could return for Baleba in 2026 once his contract ticks down and his price drops, but Ineos should be wary, and not have tunnel-vision over the midfielder.
READ MORE: Forget Baleba, Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd held ‘several meetings’ for star ‘appreciated’ by Ruben Amorim
Improving the midfield will be a top priority, but perhaps Baleba isn’t what Amorim needs given his underwhelming performances so far.
United agreed a deal for Cristian Orozco recently to strengthen the midfield options, and he is set to join next summer when he turns 18 years old. Whether or not he can save Ineos from spending big on Baleba is yet to be seen.