Manchester United’s hunt for Carlos Baleba — increasingly popular after a stellar season with Brighton — comes with a hefty price tag, reportedly north of £100 million (estimates ranging from £100m to £104m) .
Finance aside, there’s a compelling cheaper, younger, and arguably better alternative already in the fold: Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo, 20 years old, joined United’s first team in 2023 and has already made his mark — featuring in key matches and helping England reach the Euro 2024 final . The article paints him as a “generational talent” who could thrive with consistent game time, suggesting United should back their own academy star rather than splurge on Baleba.
Several factors tip the scale in Mainoo’s favor:
Cost-effective: He’s already at United — no transfer fee required.
Youth advantage: At 20, he’s younger than Baleba (who turns 22 in January 2026) .
High ceiling: Mainoo’s trajectory suggests superstar potential. Meanwhile, Baleba, while excellent, would require a record-breaking outlay.
Going with Mainoo also aligns better with financial prudence, especially after this summer’s spending spree (e.g., on Sesko, Cunha, and Beumo) . United saving over £100 million isn’t just smart — it’s strategic.
In short, United needn’t break the bank for midfield reinforcements when a proven, dynamic talent is right at their doorstep. Backing Mainoo over Baleba represents value, development, and long-term upside — a choice that’s cheaper, younger, and arguably better.
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to back this up further!
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