Update On Manchester United And Their Pursuit Of This Brighton Midfielder: What Should Amorim Do? | OneFootball

Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, Pete O’Rourke offered an update on Manchester United and their pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer. O’Rourke said,

“United have already reached out through intermediaries to see if there’s any chance a deal can happen.

“With the expense, the price tag, it looks a hard deal to do, and for United to have any chance of doing it they need to sell some players.

“They’ve gone out and spent big on those three new forwards, but they haven’t sold any of the ‘bomb squad’ as yet really.

“Marcus Rashford went out on loan, but Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho are all still there, so United need to bring in funds if they’re to make any more big moves in the transfer market.”

Baleba’s Impressive Form In The Premier League

The Cameroonian talent had a solid campaign at the English club recently after he put in a series of impressive displays for them at the centre of the park. Baleba played in 40 matches for the Seagulls last season, scoring four times and earning a couple of assists in the process across all competitions.

The 21-year-old anchored the midfield with conviction for Brighton as he made 79 tackles, 47 blocks and 46 interceptions in the Premier League. He was even accurate when distributing the ball from midfield based on his pass completion rate of 87.4% in the top tier of English football (stats via fbref.com).

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Calvin Bassey of Fulham is challenged by Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham at Amex Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

What Should Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim Do With Regards To Baleba?

Baleba is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when required and is a good passer of the ball as well.

The Cameroonian youngster can strike the ball with venom from long range and can even create the odd chance for others around him in the opponent’s half. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a centre-back or as a box-to-box midfielder if told to do so.

We can expect Baleba to bring more bite and steel to Man United boss Ruben Amorim’s midfield department. He is good enough to serve as an ideal successor to Casemiro, who has entered the final stage of his playing career.

At 21, Baleba has the potential to be a world-class player in his position someday. Hence, Amorim would be wise to trim his squad so that he can fund a move for the Brighton whizkid this summer.