Manchester United spent over £200million in the summer transfer window on four new players, most of whom have made a positive start to Old Trafford life – but fans should be glad that one of their supposed targets didn’t join the club.
New goalkeeper Senne Lammens made his debut in the 2-0 win against Sunderland at the weekend and massively impressed, winning the Man of the Match award to endear himself to the Stretford End faithful after just 90 minutes of football.
Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo has provided a constant threat up front, new striker signing Benjamin Sesko is underway with two goals in two games, and although Matheus Cunha has suffered with injury, he will be a huge signing for United throughout the season.
Despite bolstering their forward line, fans wanted a midfielder through the door for manager Ruben Amorim.
However, their failed transfer approach for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba looks to have been a dodged bullet, with the Cameroonian star being largely underwhelming since the transfer window slammed shut.
Ruben Amorim looks on in frustration during Manchester United vs Chelsea
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Carlos Baleba struggles for Brighton after failed Man United transfer
Manchester United were linked with a £100million move for Brighton star Baleba in August after two solid seasons at the AMEX Stadium, especially with Amorim’s midfield failing to exert control in games during the first few months of his reign.
Baleba had massively impressed under Fabian Hurzeler as Brighton finished eighth in the Premier League, and with two full seasons under his belt by the age of 21, he appeared to be next in line on a Brighton midfield conveyor belt that has boasted the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo and Yves Bissouma in previous years.
However, since his links to United, he’s struggled to perform, and those woes have continued.
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Following the transfer deadline slamming shut, Baleba failed to start against Bournemouth in a 2-1 defeat away from home, and he was hooked at half-time in the 2-2 home draw to Tottenham Hotspur just over a fortnight ago.
He did feature for 67 minutes in the 3-1 away win at Champions League challengers Chelsea, though all three of Brighton’s goals came after he was replaced by Brajan Gruda with the south coast club trailing by a goal to nil.
He had a chance at redemption in their game against bottom-side Wolves at the weekend, but he was once again hooked at half-time as the Seagulls failed to take three points.
It’s certainly not the form expected of a player touted for a nine-figure sum, and Old Trafford recruitment chiefs may be breathing a sigh of relief.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton looks on during their Premier League match vs Tottenham Hotspur
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Manchester United should opt for Adam Wharton if they want a new midfielder
Baleba’s reported price tag was high, but he at least showed promise of performances that were worthy of such a high fee last season.
However, another midfield starlet was linked to United in Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, and a move for the Englishman could prove to be a much better move for United.
The one-time England cap has shone for the Eagles in the midfield pivot, being unfortunate to miss out on a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad having excelled with his passing, tackling and consistency during Palace’s 19-match unbeaten run.
Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton, poured praise on Wharton recently when he told Sky Sports: “Adam Wharton today. I concede the Man of the Match Award.
“That should have gone to Adam Wharton because, in my opinion, he was the best player on the pitch today.”
That’s not an uncommon thing to hear about Wharton, who continues to thrive in the Premier League.
And sitting alongside Bruno Fernandes in the centre of the park, he would be the perfect foil to come in to their side to allow attacking stars to flourish.