Manchester United’s midfield rebuild has begun to take shape after the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, but do not expect the spending to stop there.

There has been speculation swirling that a third midfielder is a question of when, not if.

It is clear to see the plan that they are trying to implement in the middle of the park: control. There is just one puzzle piece missing, and that is a destroyer - someone who can cover every blade of grass.

Enter Carlos Baleba.

Of course, when scouting for new players, you have to account for a plan A, plan B and plan C, but surely Baleba is United’s plan A. He has expressed his desire to join in the past, which is something INEOS look for when buying players - that willingness to join.

He also has age on his side.

The biggest reason Baleba makes sense is because of the balance he would bring alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Mainoo’s ability to frolic forward with the ball, operate between the lines and progress possession makes him one of United’s most technically gifted midfielders, but he is not a natural defensive anchor. Baleba’s athleticism and defensive instincts would allow Mainoo to play with more freedom, knowing there is someone behind him capable of covering ground and winning the ball back.

Then there is Bruno Fernandes, who remains United’s biggest creative outlet. The Portuguese midfielder’s biggest strength is his ability to take risks and influence games in the final third. But that freedom requires protection behind him. Baleba’s ability to disrupt transitions and provide defensive security would give Bruno the platform to perhaps allow his creative capabilities to flourish further.

Baleba would not provide the glitz and glamour; instead, he would be the midfielder who put out fires when required.

Baleba may appear to be the ideal profile for Manchester United’s midfield rebuild, but he is unlikely to be the only option under consideration.

United have been linked with a number of midfielders who offer different qualities, including Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Roma’s Manu Koné, who would each provide a different solution to the problems Michael Carrick’s side are looking to address.

Scott represents a more technical option compared to Baleba. The Bournemouth midfielder’s strengths lie in his box-crashing abilities, his ability to progress the ball and creativity from deeper areas. But while his athleticism and mobility would add another dimension to United’s midfield, there is a question over whether he offers enough of a different profile following the arrival of Youri Tielemans. Although Tielemans does not possess the same running power or physicality as Scott, he already provides many of the qualities Scott would bring.

Koné, though, would provide a closer alternative to Baleba due to his physical profile and ability to carry the ball through midfield. The Frenchman’s biggest strength is his ability to break lines with his power and drive, making him a threat both in transition and when progressing possession. But his game differs from Baleba’s, with Koné offering more when United have the ball, while Baleba’s defensive awareness, ball-winning ability and ability to protect the back four make him a more natural fit for the holding role.