Manchester United will have the chance to watch Carlos Baleba up close when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford in the Premier League
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba will have the chance to impress at Old Trafford(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
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Carlos Baleba will be in action at Old Trafford for the first time since Manchester United showed interest in the Brighton midfielder last summer.
Baleba was closely considered by the United hierarchy, who made contact with Brighton over a deal. However, the club had already spent heavily during the window and Brighton's valuation, reportedly at around £100 million, complicated matters.
United sources later indicated that midfield reinforcements were not a priority, given the squad's existing depth and versatility. However, the 21-year-old remains on United's radar and could be revisited as a transfer target next year.
In the meantime, Saturday's Premier League clash offers a chance to watch what could be a £100m audition. The Daily Mail carries quotes from Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler who offered the youngster a word of advice ahead of the match, telling him to 'overcome the noise.'
Baleba has endured a difficult start to the season, with suggestions that United's interest may have been a distraction on the south coast. However, last weekend, he offered a glimpse of returning to his best during Brighton's 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
"I saw a Carlos Baleba who stepped up," Hurzeler told Sky Sports. "These were good actions and good behaviours he showed, but he has to make habits out of those good behaviours. That's the next step in his development, to bring consistency to his performance.
Carlos Baleba and Fabian Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler has given Carlos Baleba special instructions ahead of Man United clash
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"'For me, it's always important that I'm very transparent with the players. I have a very good relationship with Carlos. We speak regularly, we are in touch. I always share my thoughts about his development and my thoughts about his performance.
The German manager added: "It's important to be very clear about what you expect from players on the pitch, off the pitch. And it's important to build relationships where you can criticise or give personal feedback they might not be happy about, but they understand the intention behind it.
"Carlos won't get better if he only gets compliments and claps from outside. I think he will get better if he has a safe environment, but also honest feedback where he knows what he needs to improve. That's where we try to support him and make him better."
This month, The Sun reported that Bryan Mbeumo is 'trying to persuade' Carlos Baleba to join him at Old Trafford. The pair spent some time together on international duty with Cameroon, giving Mbeumo, who is seen as a 'big brother' figure to Baleba, the ideal chance to speak with the youngster.
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