Manchester United abandons £120 million Baleba, Southampton star becomes an alternative

The Red Devils' midfield signing encountered obstacles, and the Portuguese young coach targeted his 21-year-old compatriot!

Manchester United coach Amorin suffered a setback in the transfer market - As Brighton valued Baleba more than £100 million, the Red Devils have turned their attention to Southampton midfielder Mattus Fernandez.

The 21-year-old Portuguese star became Amorin's "Plan B" and Southampton priced it between £50 and £60 million, according to the British media Daily Telegraph.

Baleba trade failed: Brighton's 120 million asking price scares Manchester United

Manchester United has invested more than 200 million euros this summer to introduce Cunha (62.5 million euros), Mbemo (65 million euros), Sesco (74 million euros) and Leon (7 million euros), but the midfield reinforcement has not been completed.

Transfer expert Romano revealed: "Manchester United regards Baleba as the perfect midfielder, but Brighton insists on a £120 million offer, which is far beyond the psychological expectations of the Red Devils. "

Although the player himself is open to joining Manchester United and is even willing to give up his qualification for the Champions League, Ineos' fiscal austerity policy makes it difficult to advance the deal.

The Telegraph pointed out that "transfer fees of more than £100 million are unrealistic for current Manchester United" and the club prefers signings at the £50 million level.

Fernandez becomes a new goal: the 21-year-old midfielder's season data is amazing

As the bareba trade is stagnant, Amorin strongly recommends signing Southampton midfielder Mattus Fernandez.

The Portuguese young coach has long admired his compatriots - Fernandez ranked first in the Premier League as a U21 player last season. Although the team was relegated, his average of 2.3 steals and 1.8 key passes per game still attracted the attention of many teams.

West Ham United had a quote of £30 million (including additional terms) but was rejected, and Southampton made it clear that "less than £50 million is not allowed ".

It is reported that Manchester United has reached out to players through their agents, and Fernandez's team "has a positive attitude towards joining Manchester United" and believes that more opportunities can be obtained under Amorin's leadership. Countdown to the transfer window: Manchester United needs to solve the midfield shortcomings

There are only two weeks left before the transfer window is closed on September 1, and Manchester United's midfield problems need to be solved urgently.

Currently, there are only three genuine midfielders in the first team: Casemiro, Mount and Menu. Among them, Casemiro has declined in form last season, Menu has limited defense ability, and Mount is in poor form.

Amorin's tactical system requires an "all-round midfielder who can attack and defend" while Fernandez's height of 1.78 meters, 83% pass success rate and coverage area (11.2km per game) meet the requirements.

Expert opinion: Former Manchester United midfielder Scholes wrote in the column: "Fernandez is a rough jade, his running and skill are like Carrick when he was young. If Manchester United signs him at a reasonable price, it will be a more pragmatic choice than Baleba."

Comparison of core data of Manchester United midfield recruitment targets:

Carlos Baleba (Brighton)

Age: 20 years old

Transfer valuation: 120 million

Defensive contribution: 2.1 steals per game

Offensive organization: 1.5 key passes per game

League experience: 1890 appearances last season Minutes

Matus Fernandez (Southampton)

Age: 21 years old

Transfer valuation: 50-60 million pounds

Defensive contribution: 2.3 steals per game

Offensive organization: 1.8 key passes per game

League experience: 2940 minutes

Can Manchester United finalize Fernandez before the transfer deadline?

This signing may directly affect the team's prospects for the Premier League championship in the new season. Amorin refused to respond directly to the transfer rumors at the pre-match press conference, but emphasized that "the best signings will be completed within the budget."