Man Utd handed stark transfer warning over signing 'lethargic' big-money target after latest display
Man Utd target Carlos Baleba was subbed off at half-time during Brighton’s defeat at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s ascent up the Premier League table continued in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton, but one player that failed to make an impression on his Old Trafford audition was long-term target Carlos Baleba.
Baleba was heavily linked with Ruben Amorim’s side throughout the summer transfer window after an immensely successful second campaign with the Seagulls, which saw him score three times and register one assist from a deep-lying defensive midfield role.
Many experts felt he had the capabilities to be a potential long-term successor to someone like Casemiro in the heart of midfield due to his immense stamina, physicality and ability to read the game. Baleba ranked amongst the highest in his position for interceptions and tackles and drew comparisons to Moises Caicedo after producing a series of consistent displays in the middle of the park.
However, he was substitute after 45 minutes during Brighton’s defeat at Old Trafford, and was slated by Jamie Redknapp for a hugely underwhelming display.
“Baleba in midfield. We built him up before the game but he was really poor and [Yasin] Ayari just did not get going. They never got close to the Manchester United midfield,” explained Redknapp.
Man Utd handed warning over signing Carlos Baleba
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Carlos Baleba’s weak performance against them should be seen as a slight red flag when weighing up whether to sign him in January.
He explained: “I have to say, I was disappointed in Baleba. From my earliest recollection of watching him, he was wherever the ball was, making an impact in all aspects of the game and getting up and down the pitch.
“Watching him against United, he looked heavy and lethargic, he was short to everything, he got caught on the ball and his passing wasn’t particularly impressive.
“It made me think, it seems like since last season he’s taken a step back a bit, which will be a major concern both to him and to Brighton. I would’ve thought that was the game in which he would show his best levels, because of the interest in him from United, because he would’ve wanted to impress.
“Especially against a United midfield which has been light in a few games already this season. So I don’t think he’s done himself any favours if he still has a move in mind.”
Are Man Utd likely to sign Carlos Baleba in January?
Manchester United have made no secret of their admiration of Carlos Baleba, and it seems inevitable that the club will be in the market for a defensive midfielder in either the January window or the next as Casemiro edges closer to the end of his existing deal. However, the main stumbling block remains the price tag, with Brighton reportedly seeking upwards of £100m for the 21-year-old.
The Seagulls sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a British record £115m in 2024 and very much see that price tag as a benchmark when it comes to Baleba.
As it stands, United are not thought to be in a position to spend that sum of money on just one player. They are very much still in a rebuild despite their recent improvement and appear to be much more likely to pursue cheaper alternatives, enabling them to strengthen in multiple positions as opposed to just one area.
However, as displayed by the Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa sagas over the summer, player-power can go a long way in football, and if Baleba, who reportedly is unhappy at Brighton decides to down tools, it could change the dynamic dramatically. United next face Brighton on the final day of the season at the Amex Stadium.