Manchester United fans must wish they had an ounce of the midfield talent that was previously on the books during the Sir Alex Ferguson era at Old Trafford.
The likes of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick occupied the roles in the middle of the park, helping the Red Devils cement themselves in Premier League history.
Such a duo played a vital part in the club winning 13 league titles during the Scotsman’s tenure, something which they’ve failed to replicate since his departure back in 2013.
Ruben Amorim is the latest manager tasked with the responsibility of ending the drought, but the 40-year-old doesn’t currently have the talent at his disposal to mount a title charge.
However, the hierarchy have already backed the manager in his quest, with £200m already being splashed, but it doesn’t appear to be the end of their summer spending.
Man Utd’s hunt to land a new midfielder for Amorim
Adam Wharton has been mentioned as a potential addition for United over the last couple of days, even preparing an offer for the Crystal Palace youngster.
The 21-year-old, who’s already been capped by England, would be a hefty addition, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with their star man this summer.
However, cheaper alternatives are also being considered by the Red Devils hierarchy, leading to the board pursuing a move for Sevilla talent Lucien Agoume, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that Amorim’s side hold a keen interest in the 23-year-old before the September 1st deadline, even looking to accelerate talks to ensure a deal is completed.
Their report also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but any deal would set the side back around £35m – taking the summer spending to just shy of £250m.
Why United’s £35m target has shades of Baleba
Alongside Wharton, United have also made attempts to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba throughout the summer transfer window.
Amorim’s side went to the lengths of entering talks with the Cameroonian’s representatives over a move to Old Trafford – gathering key information over a deal to land the 21-year-old.
Whilst it appeared as though the player himself was keen on a move this window, his current employers demanded a fee in the region of £100m – a figure out of the club’s range given the business elsewhere.
The Seagulls boss Fabian Hürzeler confirmed the player wouldn’t be departing the AMEX before the end of the window, leading to the Red Devils pursuing other options such as Agoume.
He may not be as much of a recognised name to many United supporters, but he would still be an excellent addition to the side, offering the needed ball-winning presence the club have often been lacking.
Agoume’s underlying stats were better than Baleba’s in numerous key areas, potentially being a better addition, not to mention the fact he’d be available for nearly three times less than the Brighton star.
The Sevilla star, who’s been labelled “extraordinary” by former boss Enrique Sanchez Flores, made more tackles and achieved a higher success rate in 2024/25 – arguably being a better option for Amorim at the heart of the side.
Games played
35
34
Goals & assists
4
4
Progressive passes
5.7
3.9
Key passes made
1.2
0.7
Passes into final third
5.4
3.6
Tackles made
2.9
2.6
% of tackles won
69%
60%
Interceptions made
1.7
1.5
Take-ons completed
73%
57%
Aerials won
1.8
1.3
His dominance over the Cameroonian is further reflected in his higher tallies of interceptions made per 90, showcasing his impressive work without the ball in LaLiga.
However, in possession, the former Inter Milan star has been just as eye-catching, registering more key passes and passes into the final third per 90 – subsequently able to provide the players ahead of him with opportunities at Old Trafford.
Both assets are pivotal to Amorim’s current system at United, with Agoume able to provide the needed talent in and out of possession – something which the hierarchy have desperately been hunting for this window.
Whilst Baleba will still likely be on the club’s radar this time next year, a deal for the Sevilla star could offer a bargain solution to the issue that continues to plague the Red Devils in their quest for glory once again.
