Manchester United have already highlighted their ambitions of returning to the top of the Premier League this summer after splashing the cash throughout the summer window.
The attacking department has been subject to the biggest transformation, with Ruben Amorim evidently wanting to improve the options at his disposal ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all moved to Old Trafford, costing over £200m, but undoubtedly handing the side the threat they need for success.
The trio scored 48 league goals between them last campaign, a tally higher than the Red Devils managed as a team – with such additions able to help the club improve their Premier League standing.
However, despite the big money spent by INEOS already this summer, they are targeting further additions to further bolster Amorim’s squad ahead of the season opener on Sunday.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions his summer
Carlos Baleba has arguably been one of the biggest players linked with United this summer, potentially joining the side in a club-record deal from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Red Devils have held talks with the midfielder’s representatives, but any move will be an expensive one, especially considering the Seagulls want a fee in excess of £100m this window.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also in their sights, according to TEAMtalk.
Their report claims that talks are set to be held between the Italian and Amorim’s side this week after he announced that he would be leaving the Ligue 1 outfit before the end of the window.
It also states that the 26-year-old wants a move to the Premier League, but United will face huge competition from Manchester City to complete a deal for the Champions League winner, who’s available for £43m.
Why United’s latest target would be more vital than Baleba
It’s become apparent over recent months that United desperately need a ball-winning midfielder at the base of the side, able to regain possession before turning the ball into forward areas.
Such tools would offer Amorim the added presence he needs at the heart of the side, before picking out the new additions and allowing them to create chances within the final third.
Baleba would provide just that for the Red Devils, after he won 1.6 tackles per 90 during his spell at the AMEX under Fabian Hürzeler during the most recent campaign.
Whilst he would cost the hierarchy a mammoth sum of money, it would be worthwhile, especially considering his tender age of just 21 – having bags of time to develop into an elite-level talent.
However, a deal for Donnarumma would arguably be more vital to the side, offering an upgrade on current goalkeeper Andre Onana – who has often been an unreliable figure between the sticks at Old Trafford.
The Cameroonian international registered six errors leading to goals in all competitions throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly costing the side in multiple key matches.
A deal for the PSG shot-stopper would hand the side a better option in the defensive third, managing to massively outperform him in key areas last campaign.
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How Donnarumma & Onana compare throughout 2024/25 |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Donnarumma |
Onana |
|
Games played |
24 |
34 |
|
Goals against per 90 |
1.08 |
1.29 |
|
Saves made |
2.6 |
2.5 |
|
Save percentage |
70% |
68% |
|
Pass accuracy |
87% |
72% |
|
Defensive actions outside box |
0.9 |
0.6 |
|
% of passes launched |
13% |
30% |
|
Errors leading to goals |
1 |
6 |
|
Stats via FBref |
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Donnarumma, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti, conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst making more saves per 90, handing the side a more reliable figure in their quest for success.
He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer of his attempts to find his teammates going long – a pair of stats which could provide Amorim’s men the option to build up play through the defensive third.
However, the biggest selling point over a deal for the former AC Milan star would be his reliability, registering fewer errors in 2024/25, highlighting his top-level quality after winning the Champions League under Luis Enrique.
There’s no denying that Baleba would be a sensational signing for United this summer, but a deal may now be out of their price range given the current asking price.
Donnarumma, on the other hand, would be a phenomenal addition, landing one of the best goalkeepers in the world for a bargain fee, that’s if they can secure his services amid his £43m fee.
