Over the last 24 hours, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba has become a surprise target of Manchester United’s as part of the club’s summer rebuild.
With The Red Devils entering their first full campaign under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, United’s recruitment team have been working tirelessly to ensure the squad at Old Trafford gives him the best chance of success.
Prior to his arrival in November 2024, United’s squad was build for Erik ten Hag and his 4-2-3-1 system, a very different set-up to Amorim’s 3-4-3 gameplan with dynamic wing-backs and a more central attack.
As such, the club have been looking at offloading players who no longer fit this system, or are not living up to the demands of the Portuguese manager, as well as signing some key upgrades.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already been signed, with the move for Benjamin Sesko expected today to complete a completely new attacking trio.
However, behind the attacking line, United are looking at bringing in Carlos Baleba to strengthen the midfield and become a long-term replacement for veteran midfielder Casemiro.
Now, AfricaFoot has reported that Baleba is understood to be keen to join Manchester United, but isn’t wanting to get involved in any power struggles with his current club to force the move.
Baleba’s desire to move to Old Trafford fits with the recent recruitment strategy United have been taking, prioritising moves for players who want to move specifically to Manchester United to be a part of the project as opposed to wanting European football.
Both Cunha and Mbeumo have opted for United to be a part of Amorim’s plans, with Sesko also picking United over Newcastle, wanting to help the club restore their place at the top of world football.
Amorim will be hoping that this passion to play for the club will translate to even more drive on the pitch and better results for it.
