Man United transfer for ‘wonderful’ Premier League talent ‘will get done’ in January
Man United will focus on signing a central midfielder in the coming January transfer window after failing to do so in the summer.
That is the view of football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that a deal for one of their previous targets is “gonna get done” this winter.
The Red Devils have endured a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign, suffering the ignominy of a defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, and Man United were also heavily beaten by Man City in the Premier League.
Poor results have heaped pressure on Ruben Amorim, but a win over Chelsea in their most recent league match has resulted in a stay of execution for the Portuguese boss.
The summer transfer window saw Man United sign Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha for a combined outlay of over £200million, although the 20-time champions of England were unable to secure a new midfielder.
Following a tough start to the season, not only for the manager, but also for the likes of midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, the club will look to rectify their issues in the engine room in the January transfer window.
Man United can sign Carlos Baleba ‘if they want him’
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Plumley predicted that the Red Devils will target a new midfielder in January.
Man United enquired about Carlos Baleba in the summer, but were rebuffed by Brighton.
But with results suffering and the current crop of central midfielders not looking capable of changing the club’s fortunes, the finance expert thinks that a return for a player described as “wonderful” by Alan Shearer [BBC Sport] is on the cards.
Plumley said: “I think that’s the position they will focus on.
“Again, if you look at where the incomings have been, they have signed players pretty much all across the pitch.
“Central midfield was one that they missed out on, so the likelihood is, if they are going to be active in January, then that is where they’re going to look.
“With Baleba, with his age, if they want him, that deal’s gonna get done at some point, whether it’s in January or whether it’s next summer.
“I think if they are going to spend big in January, midfield’s probably going to be where they go, and it’ll be interesting to see where they are in the setup of the league position at that time as well.”
Ruben Amorim given Diego Dalot boost ahead of Brentford clash
Whilst Amorim will be hoping to receive a boost to his squad by way of new signings in January, the former Sporting CP boss’ main focus will be on his team’s clash with Brentford on Saturday, 27 September.
Amad has looked uncomfortable at right wing-back, whilst Noussair Mazraoui was only fit enough to play 65 minutes against Chelsea.
But against the Bees, Amorim may be able to call upon Diogo Dalot, as the 26-year-old is back in training ahead of the clash with Keith Andrews‘ side.
The former Porto wing-back has featured in three Premier League matches this season, providing an assist in the 3-2 win over Burnley on 30 August.