Manchester United are reassessing their midfield plans after missing out on Mateus Fernandes.
The Red Devils wanted the Portuguese midfielder, but Tottenham Hotspur won the race by agreeing an £85 million deal with West Ham.
Michael Carrick still needs reinforcements in the middle of the pitch ahead of the 2026–27 season.
Casemiro has left at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy spell out with a knee ligament injury.
United have already agreed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, although that move will only become official after Brazil’s World Cup campaign ends.
However, the club are still looking at further options after Fernandes’ move to Spurs.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester United have Carlos Baleba on their list as they look to sign another midfielder.
United wanted the Brighton star last summer but walked away after the Seagulls demanded £100 million.
The report adds that Brighton will not consider offers below £70 million and Baleba only wants Manchester United.
Brighton still value the Cameroon international highly despite his dip in influence last season.
The 22-year-old remained a regular under Fabian Hurzeler, featuring in 31 Premier League matches while maintaining his strong defensive workload and press-resistant qualities.
Now, Baleba is not the only midfielder under consideration. Manchester United are also expected to explore a move for Bournemouth star Alex Scott.
Also, the Red Devils are also looking at Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Fulham’s Sander Berge.
🚨 Manchester United could turn back to Carlos Baleba as they look for alternative midfield targets after missing out on Mateus Fernandes. 👀🇨🇲
Personal terms with Baleba were agreed last summer and are still in place, leaving United with a decision to make over whether to push… pic.twitter.com/cnQxES40Qa
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 3, 2026
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