Manchester United’s reshaping under Ruben Amorim is far from finished, and the focus is already turning toward long-term reinforcements in midfield. According to Fabrizio Romano via Give Me Sport, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains a major target, with United preparing to revisit a potential deal in 2026.

Baleba remains firmly on the list

Romano stressed that the Cameroonian is not a passing interest but a player United are actively planning around:

“He’ll stay on Man United list for 2026, for sure, then we will see if they decide to invest big on him or not.”

Baleba has impressed since breaking through at Brighton, combining defensive discipline with progressive dribbling and energy in central areas.

That blend of attributes makes him an ideal fit for Amorim’s evolving 3-4-3 system, which demands midfielders who can shield the defence while also progressing play.

Midfield issues under Amorim

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Amorim has struggled to strike the right balance in midfield.

Bruno Fernandes continues to carry the creative load, but pairing him with a complementary partner has proved challenging.

• Kobbie Mainoo is highly rated but mirrors Fernandes’ attacking instincts rather than providing defensive balance.
• Casemiro’s levels have dropped from his Real Madrid peak, raising doubts over his long-term role.
• Manuel Ugarte, signed in the summer, has yet to deliver consistently, leaving Amorim searching for stability.

Baleba’s profile ticks the missing box—defensive awareness coupled with composure on the ball.

Summer spending shifts priorities

United poured resources into their frontline this summer, landing Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The focus on attack likely explains why they didn’t press harder for Baleba, despite long-standing admiration.

Early signs are positive, particularly from Mbeumo, who opened his United account against Burnley, but midfield remains the glaring gap in the squad.

A long-term plan

By targeting Baleba for 2026, United are signalling a shift away from short-term stopgaps toward strategic squad building. That timeline could align with Casemiro’s departure or a decision on whether Ugarte becomes a permanent solution.

Still only 20, Baleba is already proving himself in the Premier League and could arrive at Old Trafford in his prime years. For Amorim, landing him would be a decisive step in giving United the balance they have lacked for several seasons.