Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge also marked the last time a United player scored 20 Premier League goals. Now the club is betting that Mbeumo will break this curse. Or Sesko. The attacking line looks really strong this season, equipped for scoring in the Premier League. With Ruben Amorim through a full preseason, English Goal United believe they can assert themselves in the world’s toughest league. Now all that is needed is one signing to make the Red Devils a title contender.
Madness!, many would probably say after last season’s historically weak 15th place in the league, but English Goal believes there is now only one Carlos Baleba missing in midfield.
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Here is Goal’s analysis:
“Having prolific goalscorers will make a big difference to United, as they didn’t actually struggle to create chances last season, despite all their problems. Amorim’s side were sixth in chances created, while Fernandes created more scoring opportunities per game than any other player in the top flight. Man Utd have fixed their goal-shy attack – but signing Brighton star Carlos Baleba would make the rebuilding of the Red Devils into Premier League title contenders.”
“Unless something goes horribly wrong, United should score many more goals, although they probably won’t be a complete team ready to face Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race. The fact is that they still lack balance, and are particularly ill-equipped in midfield, arguably the most important area of all. However, the club can solve this problem by signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton.”
“The transfer would increase the club’s spending to a colossal £300 million, but it would also be a groundbreaking signing that could actually turn Amorim’s team into contenders for the Premier League title. And if they are serious about returning to the top, they must make it happen.”
“Baleba has the perfect blend of physical power and technical quality that United’s current midfield lacks. The Brighton man has been working on his physique ever since he was 10 years old, when he did “non-stop” running exercises with his father that lasted two hours. He also sprinted between truck tires to improve his agility, often landing on the tires with a somersault, which he has incorporated into his goal celebrations.”
“Baleba was signed by Brighton in 2023 with the formidable task of effectively replacing Moises Caicedo after the Ecuadorian went to Chelsea for £115 million. The Seagulls paid £23 million to sign him from Lille despite having only made 21 appearances for the French side, where he played alongside United defender Leny Yoro. He also failed to secure a permanent place in Roberto De Zerbi’s starting eleven in the first place, despite the Italian describing Baleba as “the future of Brighton.”
“De Zerbi’s successor, Fabian Hurzeler, trusted Baleba so much that last season only Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen played more Premier League minutes for the Seagulls than the 21-year-old. Baleba’s influence was evident when he was on the pitch, but even more so when he wasn’t available. For example, the Seagulls’ 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest was one of the most shocking results of last season, and it came when Baleba was suspended. He then returned to inspire Brighton to two wins in a row over Chelsea, a 2-1 comeback win in the FA Cup and a 3-0 defeat in the league.”
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Manchester United must go all in and secure this player, the English media concludes. Then the club is in the title race.
