Matheus Cunha, along with Manchester City's Rodri, is a big fan of the Brighton midfielder Rio Ferdinand wants Manchester United to sign over striker Benjamin Sesko
Carlos Baleba playing for Brighton
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should target Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha has already given his seal of approval to a player Manchester United have been urged to sign.
Rio Ferdinand has told United to drop their interest in Benjamin Sekso and focus on making a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba instead. United have already signed two high-quality forwards this summer: Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee desperate to prove their worth following difficult starts to their Old Trafford careers, Ferdinand believes Ruben Amorim has enough forwards at his disposal and should prioritise strengthening his midfield instead.
If United do switch their attention to a midfielder, there is one clear choice, according to Ferdinand - rising star Baleba, 21, who has been outstanding for Brighton since arriving from Lille in 2023.
Baleba himself is aiming high, having been inspired by Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Players of Rodri's ilk rarely win football’s top individual prizes but the Cameroonian has been told he can do the same by the Manchester City lynchpin and Cunha, among others.
He told The Sun in May: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they’ve all told me I’ve got it in me. I want to win the Ballon d'Or like Rodri."
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha is a fan of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba
On his respect for Rodri, he added: "I watched him [Rodri] during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me. It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult.
"He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class. His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “If I don’t get a striker, I’d go midfield. There’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’ve got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need.
“An Amorim-type player as well. Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba.
“That’s who I go and get. That’s my man. That’s the one I go and get. I go and break the bank. So if I got the money for the four players that are surplus to requirements now, would I get a number nine or would I get Baleba?
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on May 17, 2025.
United face competition from Newcastle for Benjamin Sesko
“Would I get a number nine I’m not sure about, who’s a bit young, inexperienced, or would I get Baleba with Premier League experience and know what he can do here? I’m going Baleba, sorry.
“I’m going to go with Baleba. I think he’ll have a huge impact on this squad, on this team. You free up a few people in that midfield area as well to have a little less responsibility defensively because I think he’s all-action. He can do it all.”
United have turned their attention to Sesko after deciding he was a more realistic option than Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Newcastle also want the Slovenian striker and there have been conflicting reports over the 22-year-old’s preference.
The Red Devils were initially thought to be his favoured destinations but reports in Sesko’s homeland now suggest he is leaning towards a move to Newcastle, who have rejected a £110m bid from Liverpool for Alexander Isak.