Manchester United Eye Sunderland's Sadiki as Budget Baleba Option, Ready to Offer Ugarte as Sweetener

Manchester United's midfield overhaul remains firmly on the agenda this January, and fresh reports suggest the club are exploring creative ways to bolster their options in the engine room without breaking the bank.

Having splashed roughly £230m on attacking reinforcements last summer—bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Senne Lammens—the Red Devils found themselves stretched thin when attempting to land Brighton's Carlos Baleba. That deal proved impossible given their depleted coffers, leaving a significant gap in their midfield ranks.

Enter Noah Sadiki. The Sunderland sensation has caught United's eye since his summer arrival at the Stadium of Light for around £15m, impressing sufficiently under Regis Le Bris to warrant serious consideration as a long-term midfield solution. The 20-year-old centre-midfielder's form has been nothing short of revelatory, prompting speculation that Sunderland could face a battle to retain him.

According to reports, United are now prepared to use Manuel Ugarte—the £42m Uruguayan midfielder—as a makeweight in negotiations. Ruben Amorim has reportedly given the green light for Ugarte's departure, though the Portuguese coach would have preferred an outright sale. Instead, Old Trafford insiders suggest the former Paris Saint-Germain man could serve as swap-deal bait to bring Sadiki's valuation down to a more palatable level.

Sadiki's stock has undoubtedly risen considerably since Sunderland fended off Leeds United to secure his signature, meaning his current worth substantially exceeds the £15m paid just months ago. A swap arrangement involving Ugarte could help bridge that gap.

Not everyone at United is convinced of Sadiki's credentials, however. Former Red Devils defender Mikael Silvestre has made a compelling case for alternative targets, arguing that Michael Carrick's side should prioritise Brighton's Baleba and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton instead.

"Man United should sign a centre midfielder in January," Silvestre told Esports Insider. "Casemiro isn't getting any younger, and if the club are playing in Europe next season, they'll need more depth in the middle of the park. There are plenty of options available on the market too and I believe Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace and Carlos Baleba at Brighton would both be great additions to the squad."

Silvestre also highlighted James Garner—currently at Everton—as a possibility, noting that the academy graduate might be tempted by a return to Old Trafford should guaranteed minutes be on offer under Carrick.

The underlying issue remains stark: United's current midfield depth is perilously thin. With Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Ugarte as their primary options, a single injury could leave the club dangerously exposed, particularly if European football returns next season. A fourth quality midfielder is essential, whether that arrives via Sadiki, Baleba, Wharton, or another route entirely.