Manchester United rule out high-priced midfield duo
Manchester United are reportedly not interested in signing Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott due to their high transfer fees. The Red Devils are looking for alternative options to strengthen their midfield.
What happened?
According to reports, Manchester United are not in the fray for the midfield duo of Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba and AFC Bournemouth's Alex Scott owing to their high transfer fees. Baleba, 22, has been at the Amex since arriving from Lille in the summer of 2023. He has played over 112 times across competitions for Brighton, scoring four times and assisting twice. Last season, he appeared 35 times across competitions, making no goal contribution. With a market valuation of €55 million, the Cameroonian defensive midfielder is Brighton's most valuable player and is contracted with them till 2028.
Why it matters for Manchester United
The Red Devils are returning to the UEFA Champions League after finishing third in the Premier League last season, marking their return to the competition after just one year. With a strong squad and a good start to the season, Manchester United are looking to make a push for the title. However, the club's decision not to pursue Baleba and Scott's transfer may indicate that they are looking to strengthen other areas of the team.
What comes next?
Manchester United are still a month away from their first competitive game of the 2026-27 campaign. The Red Devils open their quest for a first Premier League title in more than a decade with a trip to promoted Hull City on August 22. The Tigers are back in the top tier after beating Middlesbrough by a solitary goal in the Championship final. Manchester United are also in the UEFA Champions League, a competition they have't won since beating Chelsea on penalties in the Moscow final in 2008.
With a strong squad and a good start to the season, Manchester United are looking to make a push for the title. However, the club's decision not to pursue Baleba and Scott's transfer may indicate that they are looking to strengthen other areas of the team. The Red Devils are returning to the UEFA Champions League after finishing third in the Premier League last season, marking their return to the competition after just one year.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in Premier League, 71 pts, 20W-11D-7L from 38 games, recent form WWDWW. Goals this season: 69 scored, 50 conceded (+19 goal difference). Title race: 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. Last result: Brighton 0-3 Manchester United (2026-05-24). Recent form (last 5): 4W-1D-0L (WWWWD, most recent first); on a 4-game winning run. Next fixture: vs Chelsea (away, 2026-10-31) (10th in the table). Currently sidelined: Manuel Ugarte.
