🚨🚨 Manchester United Draw Up 6-Midfielder Shortlist as Alternatives to Carlos Baleba — Including Hjulmand, Stiller, Guerra, Jauregizar, Camara & Agoumé ✍️
Manchester United’s hunt for midfield reinforcements has taken a new turn. While Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains a primary target, reports suggest the Red Devils have identified six alternative options should negotiations stall or the asking price prove too high. With Erik ten Hag and new Director of Football Jason Wilcox determined to add quality and depth to the heart of the team, these alternatives highlight the club’s strategy of balancing youth, experience, and affordability in the market.
The shortlist reportedly includes Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand, Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, Valencia’s Javi Guerra, Athletic Bilbao’s Mikel Jauregizar, Metz’s Lamine Camara, and Inter Milan’s Lucien Agoumé. Each of these players brings unique qualities, and all are considered capable of fitting into United’s tactical setup under Ruben Amorim, who is widely expected to take charge of the club.
Why Manchester United Are Seeking a Midfielder
Manchester United’s midfield has been an area of concern throughout the last two seasons. Casemiro, who arrived from Real Madrid with great expectation, has struggled with form, consistency, and fitness. Christian Eriksen, while technically gifted, has been unable to sustain long stretches of games due to age and physical demands. Sofyan Amrabat’s loan spell failed to convince, leaving doubts over whether United will make his stay permanent.
Meanwhile, young prospects like Kobbie Mainoo have impressed, but Ten Hag and the recruitment team recognize the importance of blending youthful energy with established quality. With Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool boasting dynamic midfield trios, United know they cannot afford to be left behind.
Baleba remains the first-choice target, but the club is wary of Brighton’s negotiation tactics, which often involve extracting maximum value from their players. Thus, United have wisely drawn up a list of six possible alternatives.
1. 🇩🇰 Morten Hjulmand (Sporting Lisbon, 26)
At 26, Morten Hjulmand offers the perfect balance of maturity and peak physical condition. The Danish defensive midfielder has impressed in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, quickly becoming a crucial player in Ruben Amorim’s system.
Hjulmand excels in breaking up play, reading danger, and recycling possession efficiently. His passing range allows him to dictate tempo, while his leadership qualities stand out in high-pressure matches. Importantly, if Amorim does become United’s next manager, Hjulmand’s familiarity with his tactical approach could make him the ideal candidate.
While Sporting will not let him go cheaply, his price tag is expected to be significantly lower than Baleba’s, making him a cost-effective yet reliable alternative.
2. 🇩🇪 Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart, 24)
Angelo Stiller, at 24, represents a technically gifted deep-lying midfielder who has flourished in the Bundesliga. The Stuttgart man is known for his ability to control games from deep, using his composure and vision to dictate transitions.
Stiller thrives under pressure and has been a key factor in Stuttgart’s impressive campaign. His development in Germany mirrors the profile United have often targeted in the past—players comfortable on the ball, press-resistant, and with strong tactical discipline.
Though not as physically dominant as Casemiro, Stiller offers something United’s midfield lacks: calmness and precision under pressure. He could provide the glue between defense and attack, allowing creative players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo to push higher.
3. 🇪🇸 Javi Guerra (Valencia, 22)
Among the most exciting names on the shortlist is Javi Guerra, the 22-year-old sensation from Valencia. Guerra has burst onto the La Liga scene with his dynamic performances, combining energy, dribbling ability, and attacking instincts from midfield.
Unlike Hjulmand and Stiller, Guerra is more of a box-to-box player, capable of making late runs into the box and contributing goals. His versatility would give United options both defensively and offensively, especially in games where they need extra thrust going forward.
Given his age and potential, Guerra fits United’s strategy of investing in players who can grow into stars at Old Trafford. However, Valencia are known for holding firm over their young talent, which could complicate negotiations.
4. 🇪🇸 Mikel Jauregizar (Athletic Bilbao, 21)
Mikel Jauregizar is perhaps the least familiar name to many fans, but the Athletic Bilbao midfielder has been gaining attention in Spain. At just 21, Jauregizar embodies the Basque club’s tradition of producing hardworking, technically sound midfielders.
He is primarily a defensive midfielder, excelling in tackling, pressing, and covering ground tirelessly. While not yet the finished product, Jauregizar is highly rated for his potential ceiling. United’s interest suggests they are keeping an eye on rising talents who may not yet command sky-high transfer fees but can be developed into long-term assets.
His signing would be more of a project, but under Amorim’s coaching, Jauregizar could develop into a reliable option for United’s midfield.
5. 🇸🇳 Lamine Camara (Metz, 21)
Another young and promising option is Lamine Camara, the Senegalese midfielder currently playing for Metz in France. At 21, Camara is already making waves with his combative style, energy, and resilience.
Camara has been likened to a younger version of Idrissa Gana Gueye, blending relentless pressing with an eye for progressive passing. His performances in Ligue 1 have not gone unnoticed, and several European clubs have shown interest.
For United, Camara represents a low-risk, high-reward investment. While he may not immediately start every game, his tenacity and adaptability would provide valuable depth. Importantly, he fits the mold of players with raw talent who can be molded into top-class performers.
6. 🇫🇷 Lucien Agoumé (Inter Milan, 23)
Rounding off the list is Lucien Agoumé, the French midfielder on Inter Milan’s books. At 23, Agoumé has been on the radar of several clubs, though his development has been slower compared to some of his peers.
Despite limited opportunities at Inter, Agoumé has shown glimpses of quality during loan spells in France. He is a tall, physical midfielder who can shield the backline effectively, but he also has the technique to contribute in possession.
For United, Agoumé could be a smart signing if the price is right. He might not be a marquee addition, but his profile as a young, physical midfielder aligns with the club’s long-term vision.
United’s Midfield Rebuild Strategy
This six-man shortlist highlights United’s proactive approach. Instead of putting all their eggs in one basket with Carlos Baleba, the club is preparing contingencies. The diversity of profiles—ranging from experienced leaders like Hjulmand to raw prospects like Jauregizar and Camara—shows a clear intent to balance present needs with future planning.
Another factor is financial. After years of overspending, United’s new football leadership seems keen to make smarter investments. Any of these six options could provide similar qualities to Baleba at a potentially lower cost.
Moreover, the looming arrival of Ruben Amorim as manager further shapes these decisions. Amorim’s system relies on midfielders who are mobile, tactically disciplined, and capable of progressing the ball. Every player on the shortlist fits that template to varying degrees, meaning United’s recruitment strategy is already being tailored to the coach’s philosophy.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s midfield has been crying out for reinforcement, and the club’s decision to draw up a six-player shortlist beyond Carlos Baleba demonstrates a more mature, calculated approach to transfers. From the leadership of Morten Hjulmand to the youthful flair of Javi Guerra and the raw talent of Lamine Camara, United have options that could significantly reshape their midfield for years to come.
While fans may debate who the best choice is, what is certain is that the club is no longer solely reactive in the market. By preparing multiple alternatives, United are giving themselves the best chance of securing the right player for both the short and long term.
The Arsenal, City, and Liverpool midfields have set the standard. For Manchester United, finding the right reinforcement from this shortlist could be the key to finally bridging the gap and re-establishing themselves as genuine contenders
