Man Utd 'abandon second transfer' after Carlos Baleba as Ruben Amorim takes risk

Man Utd have also shelved their centre-back interest.

Manchester United have postponed their interest in a second transfer until next summer after already walking away from Carlos Baleba, according to reports. Ruben Amorim was initially keen to add a new centre-back to his ranks ahead of the 2025/26 season, but he will make do with the tools at his disposal. United released defensive duo Jonny Evans, who is now the club's head of loans and pathways, and Victor Lindelof at the end of their contracts in July. Given Amorim's preference to use three centre-backs at the foot of his 3-4-3 system, their exits sparked an expectation of at least one new arrival in the position. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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However, GIVEMESPORT report that United have pushed plans to sign a new central defender aside until next summer due to a lack of budget. Before the end of last season, including the Europa League final defeat that ended hopes of Champions League football, Old Trafford chiefs are said to have planned an aggressive rebuild. It's claimed that United wanted to sign a goalkeeper, centre-back, midfielder and three attackers ahead of Amorim's first full campaign in charge. The Red Devils have, instead, solely focused their summer business on transforming the attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko for in excess of £200million combined. For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

Man Utd may need to replace Harry Maguire.

Amorim is also thought to want to add a midfielder to his ranks before the deadline, but a goalkeeper and centre-back appear unlikely. The report adds that a central defender remains on United's wishlist as part of a rebuild aimed at challenging for the Premier League title by 2028. Harry Maguire is out of contract at the end of the season, and the Red Devils would have to sign a replacement if he departs. For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

There are also question marks over Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez amid their injury woes in recent years. Reinforcing the defence and midfield could be at the forefront of Amorim's recruitment next summer after his attacking revamp. He will hope that January signing Patrick Dorgu and Amad can thrive as his wing-backs so he can focus on bolstering the core of the team. A goalkeeper should also be on the agenda, unless Andre Onana proves his doubters wrong with a vastly improved campaign.

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