With Michael Carrick finally announced as the successor to Ruben Amorim, in the short-term at least, there will be those turning their attention toward potential new signings this month, amid Manchester United's push for a Champions League place.
That said, is now really the right time to strengthen, not least with so much uncertainty over who will be the permanent replacement in the dugout this summer?
Amorim's record at Man Utd (timeless)
How often too have United supporters been disappointed by high-profile, expensive signings in recent years? How often, likewise, have the Old Trafford crowd roared on a rising star from the academy?
From Marcus Rashford, to Alejandro Garnacho to Kobbie Mainoo and now to Shea Lacey, a consistent theme of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has been a shining light emerging from the youth ranks.
Lacey
Indeed, while now might appear an unstable time to throw a youngster into the mix, it is a case of needs must for Carrick and co. It's surely less of a risk than splashing the cash on another costly gamble...
Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder
There are conflicting reports over what will occur at United between now and the end of the window, with it having been claimed that there are funds available to bolster the ranks if INEOS wish to pursue any long-term targets.
Ruben Neves goal involvements per season (timeless)
Ruben Neves, now into the last six months of his deal at Al Hilal, has been earmarked as a possible short-term solution, although, as noted by journalist Samuel Luckhurst, United's FA Cup exit and relative clean slate injury-wise has lessened the real need for reinforcements.
As Luckhurst has also revealed, the plan is still to look to an Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba this summer, with that trio likely to be leading targets amid a looming midfield overhaul.
Baleba, memorably, was interested in joining Amorim's side over the summer, although despite agreeing on personal terms, INEOS opted not to add to an already extensive summer of recruitment.
The Cameroon international has since endured a difficult campaign at Brighton and Hove Albion, amid the possible distraction of that interest, with it a worry to consider how the 22-year-old would cope with the pressure and scrutiny in Manchester, considering the mere link to the Red Devils appears to have unsettled him.
carlos-baleba
That might be a cynical view, but with a £100m plus asking price having been mooted, United can't afford to take any risks. Why not, for the next few months at least, see what Carrington has to offer instead?
Man Utd might have already signed Carrick's own Baleba
There is no getting away from the need to shake things up in midfield, not least if Carrick is to deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with the Old Trafford side left with just four senior midfielders at present, alongside the more attack-minded Mason Mount.
Man-Utd-4-3-3-dream-XI
Excluding the workmanlike, yet flawed Manuel Ugarte too, there is a real dearth of athleticism and legs in that department, hence why a figure like Baleba has been targeted.
For so long, Amorim opted to stick with the ageing pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, regardless, although Carrick might have a different view in mind, not least with a talent like Sekou Kone waiting in the wings.
Manchester-United-Sekou-Kone
The 19-year-old - who INEOS signed from his native Mali back in the summer of 2024 - did not feature at all under Amorim in a competitive game, albeit while having been named on the bench on three occasions in the Premier League last season.
A facial injury has since seen the teenager's game time limited at youth level this season, with Jack and Tyler Fletcher instead promoted into the first-team, although Kone is no doubt held in high regard, having been tipped to be the club's fifth-choice midfield option at the start of the season.
There has been talk of a loan move to INEOS-owned side Lausanne this month, with Kone currently training with the Swiss side, although a decision has yet to be made, with Carrick likely to be keen to take a look at him first before sanctioning an exit.
Tipped to be a "beast" under Amorim by scout Antonio Mango, the youngster is a real all-rounder in the Baleba mould, having showcased those talents in the past at international level.
Kone at U17 World Cup (2023)
Stat (*per game)
Games
Starts
Goals & Assists
Key passes*
Pass accuracy*
Tackles*
Interceptions*
Recoveries*
Duels won*
Stats via Sofascore
Indeed, as per Sofascore, Kone dazzled at the U17 World Cup in 2023, averaging a staggering 5.9 tackles and interceptions per game in that tournament, while also averaging 7.6 recoveries and 1.4 key passes.
In his pomp last season, for comparison, Baleba was also starring in a ball-winning capacity after averaging 3.7 tackles and interceptions, alongside 5.8 recoveries per game in the Premier League, across his 34 outings.
Sekou-Kone-Manchester-United
The likeness can also be seen in the comparisons that have been made regarding the young duo, with Kone notably tipped to be the 'next Yaya Toure' following his form for Mali, while Baleba has suggested that he wants to be the "best midfielder in the world" like the former Manchester City hero.
And so, with Baleba likely to command a significant fee at a time when INEOS are unlikely to be willing to gamble on any new signings, Carrick could instead reap the rewards of putting his faith in another exciting midfield talent like Kone instead.
Man-Utd-Baleba-Carrick Related
[Man Utd already want to sign "world-class" £20m Baleba upgrade for Carrick](https://www.footballfancast.com/carricks-first-signing-man-utd-want-ruben-neves-hes-better-than-baleba/ "Man Utd already want to sign "world-class" £20m Baleba upgrade for Carrick")
Manchester United appear to have identified one player who could improve Michael Carrick's squad.