Man Utd now plan to smash transfer record for £100m "powerhouse" in 2026

da bwin： Manchester United are now planning to smash their transfer record for a £100m “powerhouse” in 2026, having identified him as their prime target for Ruben Amorim’s system.

INEOS' decision to appoint Amorim questioned by Carragher

da gbg bet： It has been far from an ideal start to the new season for Man United, having been dumped out of the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town, and won just one of their first three Premier League games, and Jamie Carragher has now questioned the decision to appoint Ruben Amorim.

Speaking on a new edition of The Overlap (47:39), the Liverpool legend claimed the board are to blame for hiring Amorim, given that they always knew he was going to instill a three-at-the-back system.

Carragher said: “So Manchester United right now, let’s say they’re a team in the middle of the table quality-wise, so they get asked questions defensively, at this moment the manager can’t answer. It’s too easy to play against.

“That’s my thing, but he’s never gonna change. So when we keep saying change, and I do think Manchester United have the players to play 4-3-3 more, you’re asking a manager who doesn’t believe in something to do something. That’s his thing – the guy that brought him in, it’s his fault.”

The three-at-the-back system clearly isn’t working, with Amorim averaging just 1.37 points per match since arriving at Old Trafford, but INEOS are continuing to search for players who they believe would be a perfect fit in the formation.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Man United are now planning to smash their existing transfer record with a £100m+ move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in 2026.

Baleba has been identified as a prime target to enhance Amorim’s system, and the Red Devils made contact in the summer to ensure Brighton are well-aware their interest is concrete, with the £100m+ asking price failing to deter them.

"Powerhouse" Baleba would be statement signing for Man Utd

Despite their struggles last season, United had no trouble competing for some highly sought-after players in the summer, winning the race for Benjamin Sesko, despite Newcastle United being well-known to hold an interest.

As such, Amorim’s side may still stand a chance of being able to sign the Brighton star, who would be a real statement signing, having made a name for himself with the Seagulls over the past three seasons.

Journalist Ryan Adsett was left particularly enamoured by the 21-year-old’s performances in the 2023-24 campaign, saying: “Carlos Baleba isn’t a Moisés Caicedo replacement. He’s very different – an agile powerhouse in midfield. Very entertaining watch, strong in the tackle and more than comfortable on the ball.”

With United identifying Baleba as an ideal fit in Amorim’s system, it is little wonder they are planning to make a huge bid, but it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese manager can make it to the January transfer window…