When Manchester United announced that Ruben Amorim would be their new head coach to succeed Erik ten Hag last year, excitement filled the air.
The Portuguese manager had recently clinched the league title with Sporting and arrived at Old Trafford as an enticing young talent introducing a fresh system for fans to embrace.
His arrival also sparked curiosity among fans about a potential reunion with prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres to enhance the attacking lineup.
Reportedly, Manchester United initiated contact with Sporting regarding a deal for the Swedish forward earlier this summer, but he ultimately signed with Arsenal.
Potential Need for Ugarte Replacement
Given Ugarte’s inconsistent performance in midfield, the Red Devils might need to seek a replacement before the summer transfer window closes. Despite being viewed as a defensive anchor, Ugarte managed to win only 53% of his duels in the Premier League, showcasing a tendency to be bypassed defensively.
This performance raises concerns about Ugarte’s effectiveness in shielding the defense, with opponents finding it too easy to elude him, thereby compromising the backline.
Additionally, the 24-year-old does not provide adequate value in possession to compensate for his defensive shortcomings, lacking offensive and progressive threats when on the ball.
Ongoing Talks for Midfield Reinforcement
Reports indicate that Manchester United are in discussions with the agents of Brighton & Hove Albion’s defensive midfielder, Carlos Baleba. While talks are ongoing, sources claim that the situation is complex, making immediate progress unlikely.
Baleba, reported by Fabrizio Romano, has potential as a superior addition compared to Ugarte. Brighton is expected to demand a fee near the £115m received from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo, suggesting United might need to break their transfer record to secure Baleba this summer.
Reasons to Pursue Carlos Baleba
Despite the hefty price tag, signing Baleba is worth pursuing as he offers a significant upgrade in the midfield. He is a proven Premier League performer and would enhance the team’s options both defensively and offensively.
Baleba demonstrated impressive duel-winning ability, winning 55% of his duels and allowing only 0.9 dribbles past him per game last season, indicating a stronger defensive profile than Ugarte.
Moreover, he offers a more rounded skill set, contributing three goals and generating key chances, while playing an integral role in progressive plays during his time in the Premier League.
The data suggests that Baleba would not only be a defensively superior option but would also positively impact the offense, making him a valuable target for Manchester United.
