Man Utd confident of £70m signing of Mainoo after agreeing personal terms

Manchester United are in a strong position. They certainly have more confidence and focus than a few months ago, when Ruben Amorim was fired and the future looked bleak.

But much has improved, and while there is no chance that Michael Carrick will bring silverware to Old Trafford before the summer break, his third-placed side sit comfortably in the Champions League spot and could strengthen that position with a win over Leeds United on Monday evening.

Improvements are still needed, but Carrick can only do so much until his short-term income becomes permanent – or INEOS can make a significant change in the pit.

However, renewed star Kobbie Mainoo, his resurgence in midfield comes at the right time, the Red Devils will strengthen the midfield this summer.

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With Man United out of action after the international break in March and absences due to cup competitions, efforts have been made to tie Mainoo to a new deal, among other important arrangements.

Casemiro will leave the club in tears at the end of the month and there are few guarantees over Manuel Ugarte’s future at the Theater of Dreams, with the under-performing Uruguayan linked with a number of moves.

That’s why INEOS will target a number of midfielders, and while Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is manager Jason Wilcox’s first target, Carlos Baleba is also firmly on the radar.

According to Theater of Red, belief is growing in the Old Trafford offices that United will strike a deal for Baleba, who has been unhappy at Brighton & Hove Albion during a disappointing campaign.

United came close to signing the 23-year-old last summer, agreeing personal terms but failing to get over the line. Despite his struggles this season, the talented Premier League star could command a maximum £70m figure.

This is one of the most promising midfielders in the country, and although he is not at his level, Baleba may surpass the likes of Mainoo as United’s best player.

How can Carlos Baleba be better than Kobbie Mainoo

Last season, Baleba was described as a “scary animal” by journalist Eduardo Hagn, who went public with Moises Caicedo’s absence on the south coast and alerted Manchester United to his potential star player.

It would be right and proper to accept his dramatic demotion, but United must not let that stop them from pursuing a summer deal. Baleba was removed from his face when his dream came true, and although he is not at his level, he has shown in the Premier League that he has what it takes to defeat even the toughest strikers.

After all, the Cameroonian’s performances at the Afcon in January underlined his credentials, winning 63% of his matches and covering many areas in midfield.

This is not the type of player that Mainoo likes, who enjoys going forward and using his stamina and skill to make things happen in a dangerous environment. This is more than six, a man whose fight, his strong presence in the middle of the park will be important in reducing Casemiro’s departure.

And this is the profile that Man United need to flourish again. Baleba wasn’t easy last season, and he showed and maintained a level that exceeded what Mainoo has shown in the top flight so far. The England international is an impressive young player, but his positional awareness and defensive nature leave something to be desired.

Should Bruno Fernandes stay at the club beyond the campaign, there is a chance that Baleba will start more confidently than Mainoo, whose talent as a number eight could be considered by the likes of Anderson, should they also sign.

In terms of formbook, Baleba has fallen off the cliff this season. But he still has great talent, a young and aggressive player who has the potential to become one of the best in Europe.

Indeed, former teammate Glenn Murray has even suggested he is “better than Caicedo”, who left AMEX for Chelsea in a £111m deal in 2023.

He has what it takes to be one of the best in the business, someone who can work well with Mainoo in the center while bringing out his teammates.

It’s the kind of signing that could have a huge impact on United’s growth in the coming years.

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