The Baleba pursuit underscores a notable shift in strategy.
Previously, Manchester United would telegraph their preferred targets, then spend lengthy periods trying—sometimes failing—to close the deals.
Frenkie de Jong in 2022 was the prime example: Erik ten Hag was confident it could be done even as recruitment staff were being told it wasn’t realistic.
They didn’t concede defeat until well into August; losses to Brighton and Brentford then sparked a £70m move for Casemiro.
This summer, their work has been far more discreet. Chatter around Elliot Anderson helped mask their real midfield priorities, knowing the Nottingham Forest option was likely beyond their budget.
Santos was secured in under a week; Tielemans was completed even faster.
There was also thought given to using Mount as the “third midfielder” after his excellent early pre-season displays.
But despite his early substitution against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August being labelled precautionary, Mount has yet to return from a foot injury, which only amplifies concerns over his fitness record.
Baleba wasn’t initially viewed as the third-midfield option; Tchouameni, Scott, Kone, Berge and Adams were the names being tracked. Now that United have made their move, a swift conclusion would not be a shock.
Clearly, Old Trafford’s recruitment is now being managed with far tighter control than before.