Manchester United’s midfield woes have persisted for the past two seasons, a problem area for both Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag. While the club has invested heavily in bolstering their attack, the midfield remains a critical area in need of strengthening.
The Midfield Conundrum
Amorim’s tactical system demands midfielders with exceptional stamina and the ability to quickly transition between defence and attack. However, the current squad lacks players with the necessary physical attributes and playing style to effectively execute this system. The manager needs to identify players who align with his vision and tactical approach.
The Pursuit of Carlos Baleba
Manchester United’s primary target is reportedly Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. However, the Seagulls’ valuation of over £100 million for the young Cameroonian makes a deal unlikely before the transfer window closes.
Lamine Camara: A Potential Alternative
Amidst the speculation surrounding Baleba, another name has emerged as a potential solution: Lamine Camara. The Senegalese international could offer a viable alternative at a significantly lower price. But does he possess the qualities to address Amorim’s midfield concerns?
Why Camara Fits the Bill
The 21-year-old first garnered attention while playing for Metz in France, where he scored a remarkable goal from his own half against AS Monaco, the team that later acquired him for €15 million (£12.9 million).
Camara’s standout attribute is his remarkable ability to cover vast amounts of ground with speed and efficiency. He possesses the relentless energy reminiscent of N’golo Kanté, consistently winning back possession in midfield. Last season in Ligue 1, he averaged over five ball recoveries per game, along with more than four combined tackles and interceptions every 90 minutes. These statistics highlight his defensive prowess.
Furthermore, Camara is developing into a capable playmaker. He recorded seven league assists last season and also set up a goal against England in Senegal’s historic victory. His passing range has expanded significantly over the past two seasons.
Unlike many ball-winning midfielders who favour simple passes, Camara actively seeks opportunities to advance the ball quickly and initiate attacks. While he doesn’t often dribble past opponents, he prioritises swift distribution and supports counter-attacks.
This makes him an ideal player for Amorim’s system – a midfielder capable of winning possession and functioning as a box-to-box playmaker.
Areas for Improvement
While Camara is a promising talent, there are areas for improvement. For example, claims about his free-kick ability being comparable to James Ward-Prowse are unsubstantiated, as he has yet to score a free-kick in a senior competitive match.
Nevertheless, Camara is already performing at a high level and has considerable potential for further development. The same can be said of Baleba, but Camara’s lower price tag makes him an attractive option.
The Likelihood of a Deal
With a deal for Baleba appearing challenging, Manchester United may explore other options. While the links to Camara have been persistent, they are not yet concrete.
Reports suggest that United are monitoring the Monaco player, but there is no confirmation of a bid or contact with his representatives.
The link with Camara seems more plausible than those with players like Javi Guerra, who has committed to Valencia, or Fermin López, who intends to stay at Barcelona.
Estimates place Camara’s potential transfer fee between £30 million and £50 million. Monaco may be more willing to negotiate a reasonable price compared to Brighton’s stance on Baleba. Even at the higher end of the estimated range, Camara would cost less than half of Baleba’s price.
Currently, United’s interest in Camara remains a rumour rather than a confirmed fact. They are monitoring him but have not yet taken further action. However, Camara’s skill set aligns well with Amorim’s needs, making him a logical target.
United’s Priorities
Manchester United’s immediate priority is to offload players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund and Antony. The revenue generated from these sales will determine their spending capacity and influence their transfer targets.
While United may still pursue Baleba, Camara represents a sensible alternative if they fall short of Baleba’s valuation. He possesses the qualities Manchester United need and has the potential to improve further.