Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba endured a difficult evening against Manchester United on Saturday
Carlos Baleba struggled to deal with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s summer interest in Carlos Baleba disappeared almost as suddenly as it appeared.
United enquired about Baleba to bolster their midfield. When the Seagulls responded with a price tag of £100million, the Reds wisely pulled the plug and insisted they were happy to wait until next summer to re-evaluate the situation.
That decision looks even smarter following the 4-2 victory over Brighton at the weekend. While Casemiro showed signs that there was still life in his career at United, Baleba suffered under the spotlight and was brought off on the hour mark, clearly frustrated.
The Cameroonian could become an excellent player, we must remember he is only 21 and still has room for development. But a £100m player he is not, so with this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at four players who could be targeted instead by United.
Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace
The former Blackburn Rovers man is the name on everybody’s lips at present thanks to his marvellous form for Crystal Palace. His adaptability in central midfield means there will be plenty wanting him in the summer.
The Manchester Evening News spoke to one of Wharton’s former coaches recently and the outcome of that discussion was that the England international could sit alongside a Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo and protect that defence. However, there could be an issue actually signing him.
Oliver Glasner has already admitted that Marc Guehi is leaving the club at the end of the season, most likely to Liverpool, and the Austrian will be desperate to keep hold of Wharton or, at the very least, pick up a good transfer fee. United will be wary not to overspend on him.
Ederson – Atalanta
If Casemiro is to leave at the end of this season, United could do a lot worse than replacing him with his fellow countryman. Ederson is the kind of defensive midfielder who will work tirelessly for his teammates.
He has played in a similar system to the one which Ruben Amorim favours so should settle in well. Ederson could also be a lot cheaper than Wharton with the Serie A player valued at just over £48m compared to the Palace man who may cost as much as the £100m mark currently on Baleba’s head.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson(Image: Getty Images)Morten Hjulmand – Sporting
If Amorim was to return to Lisbon to bring a player with him, Hjulmand could be the man to sign. The Dane may possess an Arsenal tattoo on his arm but that should not automatically rule him out.
He was the captain for Amorim at Sporting and adding another leader to the camp would be no bad thing. His familiarity to the system is another bonus but Tottenham’s reported interest in a January move could be an issue for the Reds.
Angelo Stiller – Stuttgart
The 24-year-old is emerging as Germany’s next star and is ready to fill the boots of Toni Kroos. He is highly rated, with Real Madrid believed to be interested in him.
But if United are keen to return to the top, they should not be put off just because Xabi Alonso’s side could be interested. Stiller would be able to launch direct attacks for United from deep, adding to their more direct style of play.
He is also valued at £43.6m which is a steal and easily makes him the cheapest player on this list with Hjulmand believed to be worth just shy of £70m. With such affordability comes competition and United could be forced to pay more if they were to try to bring him to Old Trafford.
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