£201m on forwards, eh? Sounds like someone’s been busy. But as the old saying goes, you can't score if you can't get the ball there... and that's precisely where Manchester United's problems begin to surface. Ruben Amorim wants goals, clearly, but his system's success hinges on a midfield puzzle he's struggling to solve.
Amorim envisions a double pivot, a base from which his wing-backs can bomb forward and his inside forwards wreak havoc. He *thinks* Fernandes can adapt. He *says* Fernandes can adapt. But can he, *really*? The data suggests... perhaps not. Fernandes thrives on freedom, on those pockets of space, the instinctive passes. Asking him to be a disciplined shield is like asking a painter to be an accountant. Possible? Sure. Optimal? Absolutely not.
Enter Carlos Baleba. Brighton apparently want a Moises Caicedo-esque fee. Ouch. That's a serious outlay for a player who, while talented, is still relatively unproven at the very highest level. But here's the rub: Baleba *is* the kind of engine Amorim craves. He tackles, he harries, he covers ground. He's the midfield dog Fernandes needs by his side, the yin to his yang.
Then there's the question of existing personnel. Ugarte? The jury's still out. The article points to a costly error against Everton as evidence of his hesitancy. Casemiro? Age is catching up. Mainoo? More Fernandes-lite than midfield destroyer, apparently. Collyer? Too green. So, back to the market they go… unless Amorim is bluffing.
Brighton's asking price for Baleba throws another wrench in the works. United need to trim the fat before they can splash the cash again. The "bomb squad" of Garnacho, Antony, Sancho, and Malacia needs to find new homes, and quickly. But these things take time. Chelsea sniffing around Garnacho only adds another layer of complexity.
But let's say they *do* sell. Let's say they *do* raise the funds. Is Baleba worth the risk? £115m is a king’s ransom. It's a statement signing, a declaration of intent. But it also carries immense pressure. If Baleba doesn't hit the ground running, Amorim's entire project could unravel.
The underlying issue isn't just about finding a body; it's about finding the *right* body. A player who complements Fernandes, who understands Amorim's tactical vision, and who can withstand the relentless pressure of playing for Manchester United. And it's about doing that all within the constraints of financial fair play.
Right, half-time approaching... What's the manager doing?