How Man Utd will line up with Carlos Baleba

Analysis

Matthew Judge | Editor

After scouring the market for the perfect candidate to complete their midfield rebuild, Manchester United have now decided that man is Carlos Baleba.

The Red Devils are closing in on a deal to sign the 22-year-old from Brighton and Hove Albion, with amicable talks ongoing over the final fee.

Baleba represents the final piece in the midfield jigsaw for United, who have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer.

As Baleba nears a move to Old Trafford, FootballTransfers takes a look at how United could line up with the Cameroon international this season.

United have taken cautious approach to crazy midfield market

United made strengthening their midfield a priority this summer, even before deciding not to renew Casemiro’s contract towards the end of last season.

Michael Carrick’s side were widely reported to want at least three central midfielders to compliment the reintegrated Kobbie Mainoo.

The only problem has been finding value, with the midfield market having exploded thanks to Elliot Anderson’s €135million (£116m) to Manchester City.

Man City themselves are feeling the effects as they try to close a €100m (£85m) deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Lille star who has just 96 club appearances to his name.

However, United - led by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell - have not panicked in their attempts to find the right midfielders for the right price.

And their patience looks set to be rewarded as they push to sign Baleba for more than €70m (£60m), according to The Athletic's David Ornstein - a fair price given the climate.

Having also signed Santos for €56m (£48m) and Tielemans for €41m (£35m), a potential spend around €178m (£153m) - for three players, say Baleba ends up costing €81m (£70m) - could prove to be excellent business.

Two No. 6s, two No. 8s - United will soon have a lovely balance

A big reason why United were in the market for three midfielders is because they usually operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation under head coach Carrick.

And with Champions League nights set to return to the Theatre of Dreams this season, the three-time European champions simply needed more depth.

In the event that United do sign Baleba, they would boast a beautiful balance featuring two natural No. 6s and two typical No. 8s.

Two tough-tacklers who are composed in possession, Baleba and Santos would look to anchor the midfield for United.

Whereas Tielemans and Mainoo, two superb ball-carriers, would compete for the No. 8 slot behind Bruno Fernandes, who is the undisputed No. 10.

Mason Mount has performed well for United in pre-season and his versatility means he could be deployed as a No. 8 or a No. 10, should he stay fit.

With Baleba currently on the mend from an ankle ligament injury, United are poised to start the season with a double pivot of Santos and Tielemans.

Owing to his vast amount of experience, Belgium captain Tielemans, 29, is likely to be a mainstay in Carrick’s starting XI this season.

However, as United look to fight on four fronts, Santos, Baleba (provided he joins) and Mainoo should earn plenty of minutes.

No matter what combination you pick, United would boast a midfield partnership that has a younger, fresher balance than what they had last season.

Predicted Line Up

Main XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Santos, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes (c), Cunha; Sesko

Rotated XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Baleba, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes (c), Dorgu; Sesko

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