Manchester United's summer is being shaped by more than one decision. Marcus Rashford's future is still open, Carlos Baleba is not a live chase, and the club's left-sided plan remains unresolved. The clearest line from the latest reporting is that United are not actively working on Baleba right now, even though some interest remains.
Baleba is not the live midfield chase
Tyrone Marshall of the Manchester Evening News said: "It's been very quiet around Baleba this summer. Although I believe there is still some interest there from United, it's not a deal they are working on at the moment."
He also said United are not fixated on signing a defensive midfielder this summer, instead wanting technically proficient players with the mobility and physicality to play in a Premier League midfield. That is a different shopping list from the one many supporters still assume they are carrying into the market.
Baleba's recent form helps explain why he keeps getting mentioned. He has ratings of 7.2, 6.9, 6.9, 7.0 and 7.3 in his last five Premier League games, and he played 362 minutes across those matches. But that form has not turned him into an active United pursuit.
Rashford and the left side
The left side is where the broader summer plan becomes awkward. United's plan has been to sign either a left-back or a left-winger, so Rashford staying or going may not change the overall brief. Marshall said United have become more open to reintegrating the 28-year-old and that there have been positive talks between the two parties, but he still thinks a departure is the best option.
Rashford's own 2026 season sample is small, with 4 appearances, 183 minutes and 1 goal. If he leaves, United are expected to try to use that money to sign a left-winger.
Lewis Hall is the left-back named as a possible option, though Newcastle do not need to sell and would be hard to shift. That leaves United with a choice that is still broader than one player. They want value, fit and flexibility, and the reported hypothetical around Manchester United being able to sign Fernandes for £85million and the best part of £250,000 a week shows why they are being careful with fees and wages.
The budget point matters here. United were third in the 2025 Premier League with 71 points, so ambition is still part of the picture, but the transfer approach is clearly more selective than the old habit of chasing the biggest name available. A left-back, a left-winger, or a compromise between the two is still where this looks headed.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →