Manchester United were heavily linked with Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in the summer and that interest is expected to be revived next summer
Josh is a Senior Football Writer for Reach PLC. Having previously spent over a year at football.london as a trends writer, Josh has experience covering Leicester City for the Leicester Mercury and Manchester United for The Manchester Evening News You can find Josh's work across Reach PLC sides such as The Mirror, The Manchester Evening News, football.london, Liverpool Echo, the Daily Express and many more.
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba will get the chance to impress Ruben Amorim and Manchester United
View 2 Images
Carlos Baleba is set to give Manchester United and Ruben Amorim a first-hand look at why they should splash the cash on him on the weekend when Brighton & Hove Albion visit Old Trafford. The 21-year-old Brighton star was linked with a move to United in the summer after being earmarked as the perfect midfield addition.
Since his switch from Lille to Brighton, Baleba has emerged as one of Europe's standout defensive midfielders. However, after bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, United had to put their interest in the Cameroonian ace on hold due to his hefty £100million price tag.
Since then, chatter about Baleba's future at the AMEX Stadium has ramped up, amid reports he's feeling unsettled. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has subbed Baleba off in three separate Premier League matches, adding fuel to the fire about his future.
It's believed that United are keeping tabs on the situation, with a new midfielder high on Amorim's wish list when the transfer window swings open again. This Saturday, Baleba and his Brighton teammates head to Manchester aiming to extend their impressive run.
Since a narrow defeat to Bournemouth in September, Hurzeler's squad have gone five games unbeaten, notching up notable wins against Chelsea and Newcastle. If Baleba keeps his place in the Brighton line-up, he'll have the perfect stage to show Amorim and the United top brass exactly why he should be their next marquee signing.
All eyes will be on United following consecutive league victories under Amorim for the first time since he took charge. Last week's triumph over Liverpool came on the back of the win against Sunderland before the international break, substantially relieving the pressure on the United manager.
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba has struggled for form for Brighton this season
View 2 Images
Since taking over Moises Caicedo in Brighton's midfield, Baleba now finds himself in a spell of uncertainty. Worries about his performances since word emerged of United's interest have led to Hurzeler issuing a stark warning to the midfielder.
"I think we're getting to a time now where it's up to him, where he has to take responsibility as well," the Brighton boss said after the win over Newcastle. "He can't change the noise around him, he's a player for Brighton.
"No matter what the rumours are, he will be a player for Brighton until [at least] the end of the season. But now he has to take responsibility.
"Now he has to make a step up and show personality, that's his next step in his personal development for sure. Like I said in the last weeks, there are waves in development, but you can only get out of it if you take ownership and if you take the responsibility, there are some moments where nobody can help you.
"You have to be your own support, your own help. He has the best environment here he can get, he has great team-mates who are there for him and support him.
"But now it's also up to the player that he steps up, that he shows personality and takes ownership of his development. That's what I demand from him in the future."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Get up to 60% off Premier League kits and merch
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image