The next couple of days will be crucial for Manchester United if Michael Carrick is to have any chance of securing success throughout the 2026/27 season.
The Red Devils’ opening day defeat to newly-promoted Hull City is evidence that the 45-year-old is still in desperate need of added reinforcements before the summer window closes.
Three new midfielders have arrived to bolster the heart of the side, but there’s no denying that other areas of the squad still need to be bolstered before Tuesday night.
However, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans did manage to make their debuts last weekend, but the supporters may have to wait a little longer to see their latest addition in action.
Why Baleba could be the final piece of United’s midfield puzzle
After Casemiro departed at the end of June, it was no secret that United were in need of extra bodies in midfield – more importantly, a dominant ball-winning option.
Santos and Tielemans are capable of filling such a void, but the hierarchy appear to have gone above and beyond after securing a move for Carlos Baleba.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion man was a key transfer target last summer, but the Red Devils have finally got their man – after paying £70m including add-ons.
Such a move has seen Carrick finally land the player who can sit at the base of the club’s midfield and dictate the play after regaining possession for his side.
|
Carlos Baleba – 2024/25 vs 2025/26 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats (per 90) |
24/25 |
25/26 |
|
Goals |
0.10 |
0.00 |
|
Shots |
1.48 |
1.04 |
|
Assists |
0.03 |
0.00 |
|
Chances created |
0.77 |
0.37 |
|
Successful dribbles |
1.11 |
0.67 |
|
Duels won |
6.71 |
4.95 |
|
Tackles |
2.66 |
1.96 |
|
Fouls committed |
1.35 |
1.77 |
His stats from last season showcase his ability to do just that, with Baleba making 1.6 interceptions per 90 – subsequently ranking him in the top 10% of all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues.
His impressive tally of 5.7 ball recoveries and 11.3 defensive contributions per 90 further showcase his quality, which will add the needed dominance the side have lacked in Casemiro’s absence.
The Cameroonian managed to complete 86% of the passes he attempted last term, whilst making 3.8 line-breaking passes per 90 – which could make him the final piece of Carrick’s midfield puzzle.
How United can secure the next Baleba for Carrick
With just a handful of days left in the summer transfer window, United are running out of time to secure added reinforcements to mount a charge for the Premier League.
The left-back department has appeared to be an area which the club are still wanting to target, with Barcelona star Alejandro Balde emerging as a key target.
However, the Spaniard has stated his desire to remain at his boyhood club beyond the end of the summer, which has seen attention once again shift towards fellow target Lewis Hall.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided the latest on a move for the Newcastle United star, stating: “The signs from the [Lewis] Hall camp are he sees a very strong fit at Manchester United.”
“This is where Manchester United have got confidence, as they did with Carlos Baleba 12 months ago, that if they can’t move now, if they do choose to move in a years time, and even if Hall signs a new deal first, the player has that buy in.”
A £60m fee has constantly been mooted for the signature of the Englishman, which could see the Red Devils land a long-term solution to their left-back issues.
Whilst they may have to wait 12 months to secure his signature, just like Baleba, it will be worth the wait, with Hall a player who has constantly showcased his talents in the Premier League.
Throughout the 2025/26 campaign, the Magpies star managed to complete an impressive tally of 1.5 successful dribbles per 90, subsequently bettering 95% of players in the division.
The aforementioned figure highlights his tremendous ability at driving the ball into dangerous areas, but he’s also put the finishing touches on his runs – as seen by his 29% cross completion rate.
However, without the ball, Hall has been just as impressive in recent times, as seen by his tally of 5.5 ball recoveries and 2.2 tackles made per 90 throughout 2025/26.
The former of the two stats ranks him in the top 4% of full-backs in the Premier League, with the youngster proving himself to be a sensational all-round option for United.
£60m would be yet another huge deal for the Red Devils, but it’s one that would hand them a player who can easily reach the next level during the years ahead.
He and Baleba will undoubtedly be the future of the Red Devils, but they could also have an impact on their chances of success in the immediate future at Old Trafford.
Waiting 12 months to secure his signature may be longer than many wanted, but it could prove to be the right decision from a tactical and financial perspective.
