The Red Devils are in a good spot to do exactly that, as they currently lie in third position in the standings following a stunning run of form under the leadership of their former midfielder.<\/p>\n
A top-five finish should be enough to guarantee a spot in next season’s Champions League thanks to England’s positive standing in the coefficient rankings, with United currently six points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with just seven games remaining.<\/p>\n
Carrick and his men will look to further cement their spot in the top four when they host relegation-threatened Leeds United at Old Trafford on April 13.<\/p>\n
Midfield a Priority as Baleba Agrees to Join<\/p>\n
![\"carlos](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/carlos-baleba.jpg\"\/)
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The midfield position is the key priority for United chiefs ahead of the summer transfer window.<\/p>\n
It was an area that was a huge priority during Ruben Amorim’s reign when Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte were both out of favour, but the reemergence of the former has made it a slightly less desperate situation.<\/p>\n
However, Casemiro has confirmed that he will leave this summer when his contract expires, and the Brazilian leaves a significant gap to fill despite his advancing years.<\/p>\n
GIVEMESPORT sources believe that United will look to add two new central midfielders to their squad, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba having been a key target in previous months.<\/p>\n
That interest may have waned slightly following a disappointing campaign for the Cameroon international, although his price tag is also set to drop from \u00a3100m to nearer the \u00a370m mark<\/a>, if reports are to be believed.<\/p>\n GMS understands that United also need to do nothing on the player side with Baleba, having agreed everything with him last summer before a move failed to materialise.<\/p>\n Their top midfield target remains Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali also under consideration, according to GMS sources.<\/p>\n Man Utd Must Go for Both Baleba and Anderson<\/p>\n Man United clearly want to sign Anderson this summer as their number one priority, so they must do everything they can to beat rivals Manchester City to his signature.<\/p>\n Of course, Champions League football would help that, while the England international will likely want to know who United’s next manager is going to be before he decides on a move to either Manchester club.<\/p>\n What is clear is that 23-year-old Anderson is destined for the top, and if United can win the race to land him, they need to find the right partner for him.<\/p>\n![\"Elliot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sipa_65483146-1.jpg\"\/)
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