19 Jan 2026 17:22:10
After watching the game back today and seeing how well our midfield played what's everyone's thoughts on what we need to do in the summer to transform it
For me if we could I'd love baleba and Wharton FIFA stuff I know.
I like Anderson but I think he would be a kobbie replacement don't see where both fit and they both be too good to warm the bench.
1.) 19 Jan 2026
19 Jan 2026 17:50:12
Why don't we just figure out who Brighton will replace Baleba with and cut out the middle man.
All joking aside, I see no reason why Anderson and Kobbie can't play together. Anderson is ridiculously mobile, maybe not defensively minded as someone like Baleba, but he's solid. Plus rotation is key.
Kobbie still looks a little undercooked in terms of fitness. He looked dead on his feet the last 20 minutes on Saturday, and he's someone who can't actually ping a ball far. Maybe he'll evolve and get fitter, but he strikes me as someone who youncouldnt rely on for 90 minutes, 50 games a season.
Also, strength in depth is something we really need. I wouldn't worry about signing a player that may potentially block a path for someone else. You overcome and adapt and get better to get your place back.
Anderson, Wharton and Baleba who improve our squad no end. Need to finish the season strong though because we're no longer top of the food chain when it comes to buying players.
2.) 19 Jan 2026
19 Jan 2026 19:37:32
I’d take Wharton if he’s available in the summer. He’s a class act. We’ve not had a proper controlling midfielder since probably Carrick.
Baleba is explosive box to box and can cover ground better than most in the prem but I think we need someone who can dictate the game from the middle.
3.) 19 Jan 2026
19 Jan 2026 21:09:47
Surely Anderson would slot into midfield next to Mainoo in place of Casemiro?
4.) 19 Jan 2026
19 Jan 2026 21:50:03
I would stay clear of Baleba. He’s been shocking most of this season. Maybe if he was £30m, but not at the over inflated price Brighton will want. i'm sure there’s far better out there for that kind of money.
5.) 20 Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026 04:47:49
I don’t get all this love for Baleba… based on what one decent break out season is supposed to make him a world beater 80m plus player, I don’t see it at all plus not exactly pulled up any trees this season as he….
People seem to get fixated on a player weather he any better than what we have, that was done when Antony come, Sancho come, Onana come, Rasmus come and even Sesko, none of them turned out good enough, not sure Baleba would either.
6.) 20 Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026 11:21:34
I think we need Athleticism in CM. I guess depending how Mainoo finishes the season will dictate the profile of CM. I was very critical of Baleba and his start to the season, questioning his mentality but it seems there have been a number of reasons for his poor form I think I read.
I saw a bit of him yesterday when he came on and his profile could be exactly what we need and compliment Mainoo. If we could get two in, Anderson would be my first choice followed my Baleba based off of Mainoo staying. Wharton and Anderson if Mainoo was to move on.
7.) 20 Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026 13:07:06
Of the 3 we're linked mostly with (Anderson, Wharton, Baleba) I think Wharton is the most suited to what Utd needs. I think we'll be in for two mids, can't see both being from this top tier though so the other maybe under the radar from the continent.
8.) 20 Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026 14:38:35
With our current midfield we are best suited to midblock which doesn't serve us well in games we'll want to/have to control the possession in. Athleticism in there is essential. Anderson is the clear top target. Wharton is good but he's less dynamic.
Baleba could be very good. If Mainoo is to establish himself as a starter I think the important thing is to get someone that complements him. That points more strongly towards Anderson. And actually towards Ederson for that matter.