A Manchester United star is reportedly getting into the head of summer target Carlos Baleba while away from the club scene
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba is still on Manchester United's radar(Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images)
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Bryan Mbeumo could play a crucial part in Manchester United's pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. The 21-year-old was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the summer, but the Seagulls' reported £100million asking price proved too steep for the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim was searching for reinforcements in his engine room but failed to land any midfield targets in the summer, with the bulk of United's transfer budget spent on strengthening their attacking options, including a move for Mbeumo.
A deal for Baleba never came close to materialising, as Brighton chairman Tony Bloom openly confirmed. He said: "There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away. So we've had many bigger sagas in the past."
Nevertheless, United could still hold an ace card in their pursuit of Baleba, according to The Sun. They report that Mbeumo and Baleba, who are both presently away on international duty with Cameroon, have grown closer during their time together with their national side.
The extended period spent in each other's company has reportedly given Mbeumo a chance to lay the groundwork for Baleba to become a United player in the future.
They also suggest the 26-year-old winger has adopted a 'big brother' role in his relationship with Baleba and has briefed the youngster on what it's like to play for a club of United's stature.
If the rumours are to be believed, Mbeumo will be trying to weave his magic once again during the ongoing international break. It's unclear whether Mbeumo will influence Baleba's decision to stay put in Brighton or team up with his countryman at club level.
Carlos Baleba struggled to deal with Manchester United, and particularly Bryan Mbeumo at the weekend
Baleba and Bryan Mbeumo are said to have grown close while on international duty
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The Cameroonian pair are likely comforting each other following their unsuccessful bid to qualify for the World Cup. The African nation took on DR Congo on Thursday night, needing a victory to keep their hopes alive of participating in next summer's tournament.
Mbeumo was on the pitch for the full match and saw former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba score past Andre Onana in the 91st minute to secure a 1-0 win.
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DR Congo, which included former United star Aaron Wan Bissaka, will now face Nigeria in the final, with the victors securing their spot in this summer's World Cup.
Meanwhile, a dejected Mbeumo was captured trudging down the tunnel alone, looking frustrated amid DR Congo's jubilant celebrations. Mbeumo had been on a scoring spree heading into the match, netting four goals in his last four games for United, who return to action against Everton on Monday, November 24.
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