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Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of midfielders Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba – even after already securing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as Michael Carrick plots a total overhaul of the club’s central engine.
The Red Devils have moved quickly this summer to address their long-running midfield struggles, bringing in experienced Belgian international Tielemans and promising Brazilian talent Santos to lay the foundations for Carrick’s first full season in charge. But United are not done yet, with reports confirming they are actively weighing up further moves for Roma’s Kone and Brighton’s Baleba as they look to add vital depth and elite quality to their ranks.
Leading the race for Kone
Sky Sports understands United are now at the front of the queue to land 23-year-old Kone, whose performances for France at the recent World Cup have caught the eye of scouts across Europe. The Roma man combines tough ball-winning skills with sharp distribution and the stamina to drive play from box to box – exactly the blend Carrick is seeking to complement his new recruits.
Long-standing interest in Baleba
United have kept tabs on Cameroon international Baleba for some time, and are set to revisit talks with Brighton over a deal for the 22-year-old. A powerful, dynamic presence who excels at breaking up opposition attacks and launching counter-punches, Baleba would give Carrick even greater tactical flexibility as United prepare for a gruelling campaign combining Premier League and Champions League football.
Old Trafford insiders insist no final decision has been made on which target to prioritise, but United are determined to strengthen their midfield options before the new season kicks off – making clear this summer’s rebuild is only just getting started.
