Manchester United aren't allowing the international break to impede their pursuits ahead of a hectic summer transfer window
Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes (R) and Brighton's Cameroonian midfielder #17 Carlos Baleba (L) battle for the ball during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford
Carlos Baleba's chances of a move to Old Trafford seem to have increased after Brighton reportedly lowered their asking price(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
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While many across the Premier League may regard the international break as an opportunity for a breather, Manchester United certainly don't. Updates continue to flow from Old Trafford during what has proved to be a highly productive spell for the club.
Michael Carrick's credentials for securing the permanent manager's position continue to strengthen as United reflect on their recent progress. The club icon has suffered defeat just once across his 10 matches in charge, boasting a flawless winning record in five outings at Old Trafford.
His work this campaign is far from complete, though preparations for what could prove another transformative transfer window are already in motion. Last summer witnessed United complete several signings who have played a significant role in the turnaround, and Carrick will be hoping he remains in post to oversee proceedings this year.
The atmosphere surrounding United could scarcely be more positive compared to the despondency that prevailed when Ruben Amorim departed in January. examines the latest developments at the club as United gear up for their return to action against Leeds in a fortnight's time.
United receive update on Baleba fee
After being blown away by Brighton's valuation of the player last summer, United have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba. Following a late enquiry about the midfielder's availability, United quickly withdrew upon discovering the Seagulls were demanding in excess of £100million for his signature.
In the current market and considering the campaign Baleba had just completed, some clubs may well have matched that asking price. However, Brighton have apparently revised their expectations following the 22-year-old's reduced impact this season.
The Sun reported Brighton are now considerably more receptive to a deal than they were 12 months previously. Having had the opportunity to process the situation and identify a replacement, the Seagulls would also accept a lower fee for their star.
United certainly appear destined to recruit midfield reinforcements. Casemiro has already confirmed he'll be departing, while speculation linking captain Bruno Fernandes with an exit continues to persist.
Precisely how much Brighton have adjusted their valuation of Baleba, who arrived from Lille for an initial £23.2m in 2023, remains uncertain. A cautious projection would suggest the south coast outfit expects to at least triple that sum should they sell this summer, assuming United maintain the same level of interest.
Dalot says Carrick and Amorim 'not that different'
Diogo Dalot has surprisingly offered the view that interim United manager Carrick hasn't altered things dramatically at United compared to when Amorim was at the helm. Nevertheless, the most significant adjustment to United's system has enabled the side to rediscover their spark going forward.
Diogo Dalot of Manchester United makes a point to manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United
Diogo Dalot has suggested not much at United has changed under Carrick despite the drastic upturn in results(Image: 2026 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
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United have collected 23 points from a possible 30 in the league since Carrick assumed control in January. This contrasts with a haul of just 14 points from the preceding 10 league fixtures under Amorim, several of which appeared more manageable on paper.
Dalot, 27, has been a constant presence under both managers and offered fascinating insight into the distinctions between the two. Yet it was actually the full-back's observations on how the coaching approaches are comparable that was most surprising.
Speaking to DAZN Portugal, he said: "If you analyse it closely, things are not that different from what we were doing with Ruben. If you look at the pieces of the game individually, you don't see that many differences. The biggest difference is the profile of the player. Now we play with one less defender and one more attacking player.
"As I say many times, at the end of the day what really matters is the result. When confidence is high, with the quality of players we have, sometimes you don't even need to say much and players go on the pitch and perform well."