Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have enjoyed somewhat of a revival in recent weeks.placeholder image
Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have enjoyed somewhat of a revival in recent weeks. | Getty Images
Manchester United are looking to strengthen the midfield, is Ruben Amorim looking in the wrong direction?
Manchester United are, for once, looking forward to building from a position of strength when the January transfer window opens.
Ruben Amorim’s job will be easier to persuade players that Old Trafford is the place to be if the Red Devils are sitting in the Champions League places. One player has already, reportedly, given his preference as a host of big clubs circle and it could be the latest Premier League swoop. There has been less risk taken with recent signings with Jason Wilcox preferring proven players.
Who Man United should sign instead of Carlos Baleba
Linked last summer, United are said to be Carlos Baleba’s first choice when he leaves Brighton with a £74m price-tag reported and follows in the footsteps of players like Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo in terms of moving from the south coast in big money moves.
The 21-year old made an immediate impact when he was thrust into the Seagulls’ starting XI, but has seen his form dip from last season’s high. Bayern Munich, according to Sky Sports, are being put off by the transfer fee but remain keen on the powerhouse midfielder.
Radar comparision of Carlos Baleba's form in 2024/25 and 2025/26.placeholder image
Radar comparision of Carlos Baleba's form in 2024/25 and 2025/26. | Data MB.
Baleba is joining up with Cameron for the African Cup of Nations and will be hoping that competing on the big stage serves him well for the remainder of the campaign. According to Data MB, there is one particular area where he needs to improve. Using a data comparison model, Baleba has improved his duel success rate and how often he has won possession, but has dropped off dramatically in terms of his passing and bally carrying.
If United have several targets for January, one way that they could save on strengthening the midfield is by picking up Belgium’s first choice no.6. Despite competing against big money Premier League players, Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin is currently the man who Rudi Garcia has labelled as an ‘”aggressive” midfielder and who he trusts to do the dirty work of teammates like Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.
Radar image of Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin's form for 2025/26.placeholder image
Radar image of Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin's form for 2025/26. | Data MB
Raskin was more than a match for Bruno Fernandes when the two met in the Europa League and excelled in front of 80,000 fans at Old Trafford. He might not be the tallest player at around 5ft 9inches tall, but he has a huge leap and is a set piece threat given how good he is in the air. For around £20m, the 24-year old could be the defensive midfielder that Amorim is looking for.
What has Baleba said about leaving Brighton?
Speaking last season, if United sign Baleba, one thing is certain, he won’t be short of confidence or of taking responsibility in the engine room, as told to Sky Sports: "You need the courage to come out with the ball in difficult and risky areas," says Baleba. "It's all about the confidence you have in yourself - to want to take the ball in those areas - and playing simple. If you play simple in those areas, you can easily play around the back. If you complicate things technically, you can't do it.
"It's about having the bravery to show what you're capable of. We take risks - and you have to take risks at this level. So having the courage to do it, you can play out the back easily, without losing it.”
Given how Amorim sets his team up, having dynamic midfielders who are press resistant is essential, and there is no smoke without fire.
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