Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is inching closer to beginning, with Ineos beginning to narrow down the shortlist ahead of this summer.
This is quite a job, with Manchester United’s shortlist over 24 names long, with the expected two or three arrivals to range in price and ability.
Among the options, United are confident Carlos Baleba would be a good signing, with his qualities pairing perfectly with Kobbie Mainoo.
The only issue with Baleba is how poor he has been throughout the 2025/26 season, making the large transfer fee a risk. But United could instead sign a similar talent for a fraction of the price.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Elliot Anderson knee slide for Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
Johan Manzambi celebrates for Switzerland
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
Johan Manzambi could be under the radar signing Manchester United need
United will spend big money on the midfield this summer, but sometimes more expensive doesn’t equal better.
There should be real concerns around parting with anything more than £60m for Baleba after his worrying season at Brighton. So, a safer option for United could be Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi, who offers many of the same qualities.
United have reportedly been watching the Switzerland international, and now Manzambi’s latest performance will have blown those observers away.
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Starting in the Europa League quarter-final for Freiburg, Manzambi ran the show in midfield, proving his class once more with a performance that should have him high on Ineos’ list.
Johan Manzambi stats vs Celta Vigo
Minutes Played 90
Assists 1
Accurate Passes 44/52
Touches 83
Dribbles Completed 3/5
Final Third Passes 6
Defensive Contributions 4
Tackles 3
Duels Won 11/17
Manzambi is an all-action midfielder, similar to Baleba, with the pair sharing the same physical dominance, ball carrying, and defensive qualities, while not being exceptional ball-retaining midfielders.
At just 20, Manzambi already resembles a very well-rounded midfielder, with his physical qualities also allowing him to play more offensive roles, including on the wing.
If the interest from United is present this summer, performances like this prove he should be seriously considered as a supplementary signing.
If you were Man United’s director of football with £200m to spend in the summer, what would be your dream window?
Who comes and who goes?
Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Yan Diomande in graphic.
Getty Images.
Johan Manzambi would be in line with Ineos’ recruitment plan
While Manzambi is not Premier League proven or a sure success, he falls into the secondary Ineos category for signings of being high potential.
The Swiss midfielder has a value of around £25m right now, which likely means United could do a deal for around the £30m mark, making him a potential bargain.
Signing a player like Elliot Anderson and then backing it up with Manzambi is the perfect way to build a squad to challenge on all fronts.
Manzambi’s stocks are only going to continue rising, especially with his potential World Cup appearances this summer. So now would be the perfect time to organise a deal.
This type of signing is how United should be building depth, so hopefully, he is on Christopher Vivell’s list this summer.
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