Manchester United Pursue World Cup Star Martin Baturina
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is accelerating, and a new name has surged towards the top of their list: Martin Baturina, the Como playmaker who has just lit up the World Cup with a goal England will be seeing in their nightmares for a while yet.
United’s hierarchy have been scouring Europe for fresh legs and fresh ideas in the centre of the pitch under new permanent manager Michael Carrick. A deal for Atalanta’s Ederson is close to being confirmed, but that is only part of a wider overhaul. Casemiro has already gone. Manuel Ugarte is expected to follow his former coach Ruben Amorim to AC Milan. The spine that once looked immovable is being stripped back.
Carrick wants numbers. More importantly, he wants variety.
From Como to the global stage
That is where Baturina enters the frame.
The 23-year-old, who left Dinamo Zagreb for Como in a £22 million move last summer, has been on the radar of several major clubs after a breakout season in Serie A. Eight goals and four assists for a side that has just qualified for the Champions League for the first time in its history will do that.
But it was his moment on the World Cup stage that truly jolted Europe’s elite to attention. Against England on Wednesday night, with Croatia chasing the game, Baturina picked up the ball, shaped his body, and unleashed a vicious, curling strike that flew beyond Jordan Pickford. It was Croatia’s first equaliser and a reminder that he is more than just a tidy technician; he is a player who can change the rhythm of a contest in an instant.
England eventually pulled away in the second half, but the damage to defenders’ scouting reports was done.
United join the chase
According to reports in Italy, United and Aston Villa are among the clubs now circling, with Sky Sports Italy placing both firmly in the race. Como, coached by Cesc Fabregas, have already made their stance clear. A £43 million offer has been rejected, and Bayern Munich are understood to have enquired as well.
For now, Como are digging in. They know what they have: a player who can operate as an attacking midfielder, drift in from the left, or drop into pockets between the lines. A player who has been central to their improbable rise into Europe’s top competition.
United see something else too. Flexibility.
Baturina split most of his appearances last season between the No.10 role and the left flank. That dovetails neatly with another live issue at Old Trafford: the future of Marcus Rashford. United have been actively exploring options on the left as they prepare for what increasingly looks like Rashford’s exit, with the club reported to have reduced their asking price to accelerate a sale. It is a move that has not gone down well with everyone, with club legend Rio Ferdinand urging a rethink, but the direction of travel feels clear.
A player who can cover both midfield and wide areas, who presses, scores, and creates, suddenly looks like a very smart piece of business.
Crowded market, clear intent
United’s recruitment team have been busy drawing up contingencies. They have cooled on the idea of going toe-to-toe with Manchester City for Elliot Anderson. Sandro Tonali now appears headed for City, Arsenal or even Tottenham, who have emerged as a surprise contender. Interest in West Ham and Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes remains strong, though Spurs are again hovering with intent and considering a hijack.
The market is tight at the top end. Fees are high. Competition is ruthless. That has pushed United towards profiles they believe can give them both value and tactical versatility, rather than simply headline names.
Baturina fits that brief. Young, proven in a top league, already delivering in European qualification campaigns, and now stepping onto the international stage with impact.
Como, understandably, are in no rush to cash in. Champions League football offers them both prestige and financial breathing room. Fabregas wants to keep his core together for their first assault on Europe. Turning down a £43 million bid underlines just how highly they value their Croatian star.
United, though, rarely walk away quietly once they have identified a target who ticks this many boxes. With Carrick reshaping a midfield that has already lost Casemiro and is braced for more change, the question is simple: how far are they willing to go to prise Baturina out of Como before the rest of Europe makes its move?
