Who is Manchester United's new £80 million midfielder? Baleba is still waiting, but the Red Devils do not see him as their top priority.

Supporters of Manchester United likely remember the club's midfield transfer strategy established ahead of the summer transfer window: a £30 million-tier player, a £50 million-tier player, and an £80 million-tier midfielder. Yet the costliest third target remains unresolved.

United had initially planned to sign Ederson from Atalanta for £35 million, but the deal fell through after the player unexpectedly made Brazil's national team squad and encountered issues during his medical. He will now return to the Serie A club, which has offered him a new five-year contract.

The club hoped Matheus Fernandes would become the £50 million-level new midfielder, but his transfer fee proved too high. Instead, they have switched to Chelsea's Andrey Santos.

However, the £80 million-level midfield target has remained elusive for United. Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Aurélien Tchouaméni were all too expensive; they have either moved to other clubs or confirmed they will stay, making any connection with the Red Devils impossible.

According to United's ideal vision, this player needs to be capable of succeeding Casemiro, starting in over 46 matches across the Premier League and Champions League in the 2026/27 season. Additionally, he should complement the club's academy star Kobbie Mainoo in style, possessing excellent running ability, wide coverage, well-rounded passing—especially long balls—and the ability to win aerial duels.

Specifically, this player should be someone who can win the ball in various ways, carry it from the back into the attacking third, and initiate United's attacks.

After Carrick took over last season, the 21-year-old Mainoo showed significant improvement, particularly in his defensive awareness. However, to become a qualified defensive midfielder, the young English midfielder needs to enhance his defensive thinking and passing ability.

Currently, the top name on United's acquisition list is Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The 22-year-old English midfielder has developed under Andoni Iraola, taking on more defensive responsibilities after Luis Cook and Ryan Christie were sidelined by injuries.

Scott's work rate and attitude have never been in question, but he is certainly not the type to single-handedly serve as a midfield shield. He relies mainly on timing his challenges and positioning to win the ball. His defending is tenacious, whether pressing the ball carrier or covering space. If United's midfield pairs Scott with Mainoo, both are young and talented but may share weaknesses such as aerial duels.

For strengthening the midfield defensive presence, Carlos Baleba remains the most obvious choice in the Premier League. United contacted him through intermediaries as early as August 2025 and reached a personal agreement. Brighton's steep asking price forced United to abandon the deal, after which the 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder's form significantly declined.

At his best, Baleba is one of the Premier League's top defensive midfielders, excelling at shutting down opponents. He also possesses the ability to drive forward from central areas, relying largely on his physical strength. While his passing is not the most creative, he has a decent long-range delivery, though his accuracy still needs improvement.

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe likes players who are solely devoted to joining the Red Devils, and Baleba is undoubtedly one of them. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Baleba is still patiently waiting for a call from United.

Romano said: "United are well aware that Baleba is desperate to play at Old Trafford, and personal terms have long been agreed. The player is keen to join; he wants to move to United. Last season, when the Red Devils were out of European competition, he still wanted to come, so now he certainly wants it even more. With Tchouaméni confirmed to extend his contract with Real Madrid, who knows? United will sign Ederson, Santos, and another midfielder."

However, United are not planning to bring in a pure defensive midfielder. The Manchester Evening News notes that the situation regarding Baleba has been quiet. While United still hold interest in him, there is no ongoing progress toward a deal.

So far, United have not found anyone who can replace Casemiro's role, and it is unlikely that a suitable candidate will emerge in the future. The club is not in a hurry to sign a defensive midfielder this summer; instead, they are looking for a B2B midfielder who is technically skilled, possesses good mobility and physicality, and can handle the demands of the Premier League midfield.

Both Santos and the now-aborted Ederson fit these requirements. Some believe that having such a player would allow a 4-2-3-1 formation to control the midfield. In the latter part of last season, Mainoo also showed significant progress in this regard.