Manchester United Eye Lamine Camara as Midfield Concerns Persist Amid Baleba Price Hurdle

Manchester United may have invested heavily to strengthen their attack this summer, but one glaring weakness remains untouched — the midfield. It’s an issue that has plagued both current manager Rúben Amorim and predecessor Erik ten Hag over the past two seasons, and unless addressed before the transfer window closes, it could once again derail the club’s ambitions.

Amorim’s tactical setup relies on two high-energy midfielders capable of covering vast ground, breaking up opposition play at source, and instantly transitioning defence into attack. The problem? United’s current midfield roster isn’t built for that style. Many of the players were signed under a different managerial philosophy, leaving Amorim with a mismatched engine room.

While the preferred target remains Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion, the Seagulls’ reported £100 million valuation has made negotiations extremely challenging. With such a high asking price and the September deadline looming, United have been exploring alternatives — and one name that continues to surface is Lamine Camara.

Lamine Camara: The Energetic Solution United Need

The 21-year-old Senegal international first burst onto the scene with French side Metz, going viral for a jaw-dropping goal scored from his own half against AS Monaco. Ironically, Monaco signed him last summer for around €15 million (£12.9m).

Camara’s real value lies not in spectacular goals but in his relentless work rate. In Ligue 1 last season, he averaged over five ball recoveries per game and combined for more than four tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes — elite numbers for any box-to-box midfielder. His style has drawn comparisons to N’Golo Kanté, thanks to his boundless stamina and knack for disrupting opposition attacks.

But Camara is far from just a destroyer. He’s evolving into a creative outlet too, having registered seven assists in the league last season. His passing range has noticeably expanded, allowing him to launch counter-attacks quickly rather than simply recycling possession. Unlike many defensive-minded midfielders, Camara looks to push play forward at pace, often sprinting into attacking positions moments after winning the ball.

For Amorim, that profile is gold dust — a midfielder who can cover every blade of grass while also acting as a link between defence and attack.

Limitations and Reality Check

Despite his growing reputation, Camara is not without flaws. Certain online claims — such as a now-infamous Wikipedia line likening his free-kick skills to James Ward-Prowse — are exaggerated, given he has never scored from a direct free-kick in senior competitive football.

Still, the fundamentals of his game are solid. He is young, coachable, and already delivering consistent performances in a top European league. Importantly for United, Camara’s price tag is likely to be half or even a third of Baleba’s, with estimates ranging between £30 million and £50 million.

Is a Transfer Likely?

So far, links to Camara remain speculative rather than concrete. While United are reportedly monitoring him, there’s no solid evidence of formal bids or talks with Monaco. The interest feels more grounded than some of the other names floated — such as Valencia’s Javi Guerra, who recently signed a new contract, or Barcelona’s Fermín López, who has publicly committed to staying at Camp Nou.

With the transfer window ticking down, United’s business will largely depend on player sales. The club is open to moving on several names, including Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund, and Antony, with any funds raised likely to dictate which targets they can realistically pursue.

The Verdict

If Brighton’s valuation for Baleba remains sky-high, United would be wise to shift their focus to Camara. His blend of defensive steel, attacking intent, and tactical discipline makes him tailor-made for Amorim’s system.

In a market where elite midfielders command enormous fees, Camara could represent both a footballing and financial win for United — provided they act before a rival club spots the same opportunity.