United shifts midfield plan

Manchester United shifts its transfer focus as Baleba is ruled out for now and new midfield targets emerge.

Manchester United reshapes midfield plan after Baleba setback

Manchester United have decided not to pursue Carlos Baleba this summer after Brighton made clear he is not for sale, according to SunSport. The club is turning its attention to Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand as the leading alternative and is also keeping a longer-term eye on Adam Wharton. Reports suggest United still see Baleba and Wharton as a potential midfield pairing if the market allows, while Roma have shown interest in Jadon Sancho, who could leave the club this summer.

Brighton’s stance complicates deal-making and could push United to act quickly on other targets. The timing remains uncertain as talks with Sporting and other clubs unfold, and the club faces a crowded market for young midfielders. This shift points to a longer-term rebuild that weighs development against immediate squad needs.

United are prioritizing a patient rebuild over quick fixes. By ruling Baleba out for now, the club signals a willingness to bet on players who fit Ten Hag's blueprint and age curve, even if it costs short-term momentum.

Linking Wharton to a Baleba partnership shows a willingness to deepen midfield depth, but it hinges on budget discipline and market timing. The Sancho situation adds another variable to the squad's balance, testing the club's ability to convert exits into upgrades.

Highlights

The window will reveal how United balances ambition with practical constraints.