Once again, the noise around Manchester United is one of discontent, with the majority of the anger at Old Trafford being directed towards the ownership group.
The Red Devils’ summer transfer business has once again been called into question by those in the media, but centre-back Lisandro Martinez has even hit out at the higher-ups in recent weeks.
A run of six games without a win across all competitions certainly hasn’t helped matters of late, which has cranked up the pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
However, the 45-year-old can only work with the cards he’s been dealt over recent months, and it’s safe to say the additions made during the summer window were far from the level needed for success.
Why United’s midfield overhaul was a complete disaster
Even before last summer’s window, it was evident that United wanted to overhaul the midfield department after Casemiro announced he would be leaving at the end of his contract.
As a result, INEOS invested over £150m on three new additions, but there’s little denying that the arrivals were far from the supporters’ first choice before the window commenced.
Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans were the three players chosen to fill the void at Old Trafford, with all three of their performances on Sunday showing why their signings were a mistake.
None of the aforementioned trio managed to complete more than five passes into the final third during the draw with Leeds United – highlighting the lack of progression from deep-lying areas.
Such a quality was desired by Carrick during the summer transfer window, but it’s clear that none of the new arrivals fit the brief he will have handed the hierarchy.
Even without the ball, all of the three stars were unable to deliver the goods, with none of the big-money talents able to win more than one tackle during the meeting at Elland Road.
|
Carlos Baleba’s stats vs Leeds United |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
74 |
|
Touches |
35 |
|
Passes completed |
23 |
|
Passes into final third |
3 |
|
Tackles made |
1 |
|
Fouls committed |
2 |
|
Chances created |
0 |
|
Interceptions |
1 |
|
Yellow card |
1x |
Casemiro’s departure heightened the need for a dominant presence without the ball, but there’s little denying that the club are desperately missing a player of the Brazilian’s ilk at present.
How United can land a mega money Baleba upgrade
The performances of Baleba since his own £75m move from Brighton & Hove Albion have been particularly disappointing – especially considering the 12-month-long hunt to land his signature.
Whilst he’s had to battle an ankle injury since his big-money move, it’s safe to say his performances have left a lot to be desired within the fanbase of late.
Such struggles have no doubt led to calls around the summer dealings, as the 2026 summer could be the latest period to reflect on how poor the dealings truly were.
However, INEOS have a chance to redeem themselves this January and appear to already be lining up a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that the Red Devils hierarchy have already entered discussions with the Bundesliga outfit over the possibility of a deal for the German international.
Carrick’s men aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 26-year-old at present, with fellow Premier League side Liverpool also said to be keen on securing his signature.
However, Niko Kovac and his staff are reluctant to allow the talent to depart at present, and have placed a €100m (£84m) asking price above his head to fend off any interest.
Whilst such a deal would be yet another big-money outlay for the hierarchy, it would be a move that would see United land a proven top-level operator at the heart of the side.
His stats from the current campaign showcase his talents at both ends of the pitch and why he would be a huge upgrade on current big-money addition, Baleba.
Nmecha has averaged a remarkable 92% pass completion rate in Germany this campaign – a figure which the Cameroonian has simply been unable to match.
Not only has the Dortmund star bettered Baleba in such an area, but 90% of other players in Europe’s top-five leagues have also been unable to get near his subsequent average.
His average of 9.4 line-breaking passes per 90 further highlights his phenomenal talent in possession, with such a figure over two times higher than the former Brighton man.
Like his pass accuracy, he’s dominated those in his position across the continent, with the aforementioned figure also placing him above 91% of players in his position.
Even without the ball, Nmecha has managed to have the upper hand over Baleba, subsequently winning more ground duels per 90 and leading to OPTA analyst Martin McConachie labelling him “world-class.”
Such numbers showcase his excellent ability to provide the goods at both ends of the pitch – something which none of United’s three new talents have yet been able to achieve.
Whilst £80m may seem like yet another mega fee for a new midfielder, it would be a deal which could see the Red Devils land a player who is truly capable of improving the senior ranks.
