Baleba deal agreed, medical next
Carlos Baleba is coming. United have agreed a $96M deal with Brighton for the midfielder (1) (4). Fan reports say he has been given permission to travel to Manchester for his medical.
That fills the hole in midfield. Carrick has not hidden that United want more in there.
Carrick: midfield rebuild is not finished
Carrick said it plainly. "We're trying to improve, we're trying to improve the squad all the time, we're working towards that" (3) (6).
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Baleba is the big piece. Carrick sounds like there could be more before the deadline.
Mainoo is back and ready
Kobbie Mainoo is 21 and already has big highs and tough times behind him. Carrick sees only positives since he returned.
"He's got that stubbornness about him that I love in a footballer," Carrick said (7). Mainoo is training well. He is ready for a big season.
Sesko is elite, and he is healing
Benjamin Sesko is the joint-best Premier League striker in one key stat (2). He has been recovering from injury since May.
The season starts Saturday against Hull. Having Sesko fit early matters.
Zirkzee could leave
Joshua Zirkzee reportedly favours Juventus over Napoli for a loan to Serie A (5). United are short of strikers.
Losing a forward before the season starts is not ideal. It is only a rumor for now.
Hull away Saturday lunchtime
United open the Premier League season at Hull City on Saturday, 13:30 CEST (6).
First game of the new campaign. Three points to start would settle a lot.
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are buzzing over Baleba. The megathread is filling up, and Simon Peach's confirmation of the agreement has set the tone (link). The mood is excitement, with most seeing him as a genuine upgrade in midfield.
