Teamwork makes the dream work

“Excellent” Baleba various emerges as Man Utd goal

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Manchester United are set for a brand new period underneath Ruben Amorim, with the hierarchy backing the supervisor in his quest for fulfillment throughout the low season.

He’s already spent round £200m on new additions, largely having to work with the gamers signed by former boss Erik ten Hag – who was sacked again in October final 12 months.

The Dutchman led the aspect to 3rd place within the Premier League again in his first 12 months, however his £600m spending spree was in the end a failure, which noticed varied skills fail to impress on the membership.

Erik ten Hag

Lisandro Martínez and Antony are simply two gamers who adopted the previous boss from Ajax in the summertime of 2022, costing a staggering £142m mixed – with the latter set to go away this summer season for almost a 3rd of his unique charge.

Nevertheless, Amorim could also be about to repeat the dealings made by Ten Hag at Outdated Trafford this window, particularly if one participant makes the transfer to affix the Purple Devils.

Man Utd plot transfer for Carlos Baleba various

In an try to bolster the midfield division, Brighton star Carlos Baleba has emerged as a key goal for United between now and the top of the switch window.

While he nonetheless stays a viable possibility for the Purple Devils, his present £100m price ticket may show to be an excessive amount of given the current enterprise, with different skills needing to be thought of in the end.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba

In consequence, a shortlist of alternate options have been drawn up by the hierarchy, which has seen Feyenoord star Quinten Timber being thought of, in line with FootballTransfers.

Their report claims that Amorim’s males are carefully monitoring a transfer for the 24-year-old, who made 26 appearances throughout all competitions, serving to the membership win the Dutch Tremendous Cup.

It additionally states that his present employers, who’re managed by former United star Robin van Persie, are open to permitting the midfielder to go away, ought to they obtain a suitable provide for his providers.

Why Timber could be one other Ten Hag-esque signing

Regardless of beforehand holding talks to land Baleba during the last couple of weeks, a deal between now and the September 1st deadline may look like unlikely.

FFC Manchester United Baleba

His staggering asking value would see United fork out a club-record charge for the 21-year-old, surpassing the £89m they paid for Paul Pogba again in the summertime of 2016.

Forward of the primary Premier League matchday of the 2025/26 season, Seagulls boss Fabian Hürzeler has spoken about Baleba’s future on the membership and a possible transfer away from the AMEX.

He said that he’s extraordinarily assured the participant will keep past the summer season, which may see the Purple Devils go on and pursue a transfer to land Timber from Feyenoord.

There’s no denying that the Dutchman could be a less expensive signing, however he may additionally show to be a greater addition if he can replicate his current kind from the Eredivisie.

quinten-timber-feyenoord-eredivisie
Quinten Timber in motion for Feyenoord. 

When evaluating their respective stats from the 2024/25 marketing campaign, the Dutchman managed to outperform Baleba in varied key areas, probably handing the supervisor a greater possibility on the coronary heart of the aspect.

Timber, who’s been labelled “excellent” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, showcased his wonderful potential in possession, finishing extra key passes per 90, with extra which being into the opposition’s field – handing the brand new attacking trio an opportunity to impress this season.

How Timber & Baleba examine all through 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Timber

Baleba

Video games performed

18

34

Targets & assists

6

4

Progressive carries

1.6

1.4

Progressive passes

4.4

3.8

Key passes made

1.4

0.7

Passes into the 18-yard field

1.1

0.7

Tackles received

1.6

1.5

Sort out success fee

61%

60%

Aerials received

69%

60%

Stats through FBref

He additionally dominated the Cameroonian out of possession, registering extra tackles per 90, while profitable extra of the dispossession makes an attempt he entered – providing the ball-winning presence the boss craves.

His aerial potential can be far superior in comparison with the Brighton star, having the expertise to be a wanted presence at each ends of the pitch when known as upon.

It’s unclear how a lot the Dutch outfit are presently demanding for Timber’s signature, however it’s clear that he’s a sensational expertise who may present a discount answer to the midfield subject.

Nevertheless, warning should even be taken by the Purple Devils hierarchy within the coming weeks, needing to take their earlier dealings from the Ten Hag period under consideration earlier than making an official strategy.

Erik ten Hag-1

As beforehand talked about, the additions the previous boss constructed from the Dutch prime division have up to now proved unsuccessful, which might undoubtedly current questions over a transfer for Timber ought to he put on the membership’s pink shirt in 2025/26.