Fresh tensions are beginning to surface around Manchester United as pressure mounts on INEOS to rethink Rúben Amorim’s plans for the upcoming January transfer window. Concerns are growing both inside and outside the club, with several former players and influential figures urging the hierarchy to pause the manager’s chase for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba — a midfielder whose staggering £100 million valuation has triggered strong debate.
Sources close to Old Trafford suggest that the club’s leadership is increasingly divided. Some members of the board see Baleba as a long-term cornerstone who fits Amorim’s tactical blueprint. However, others fear the club is drifting toward yet another expensive mistake, repeating the same recruitment missteps that have defined recent seasons and contributed to the team’s loss of direction.
The warnings being voiced are clear, direct, and difficult to dismiss. Club legends and respected observers alike are challenging the logic behind making another blockbuster signing at a time when United are still struggling to establish consistency, cohesion, and a clear footballing identity under their new manager.
The dominant concern internally is that Manchester United cannot reasonably justify spending £100 million on another developmental prospect — especially when the squad desperately needs immediate stability and proven quality. Many argue that the priority should be players who can influence games from day one, not another high-priced gamble who may need years to reach elite level. According to insiders, this is precisely the moment when INEOS must intervene, show firm leadership, and stop the club from slipping back into the damaging recruitment cycle that has undermined them for more than a decade.
The tension around the issue is steadily increasing.
The debate is growing more intense with every passing day.
And as the January transfer window approaches, INEOS stands on the brink of one of the most consequential decisions since taking charge of football operations at Manchester United.
In the words of those raising the alarm: the club cannot afford to throw another £100 million at a signing who *might* develop, *might* adapt, or *might* become a star. United need reliability, experience, and certainty — not another potential flop threatening to derail their progress.
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