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Manchester United are preparing for the start of the new 2025/26 Premier League season
Manchester United have the opportunity to bring in some new more faces over the coming weeks. They have already delved into the market to snap up the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their ranks, among others. The Red Devils also have the chance to sell some players before the end of the transfer window on Monday 1st September.
Ruben Amorim was picked as their replacement for Erik ten Hag during last season. The North West giants ended up finishing down in a disappointing 15th place in the Premier League table. They will be aiming to compete much higher next time around.
Manchester United target Carlos Baleba assessed by Alan Shearer
United are reportedly admirers of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba but the Seagulls don’t want to sell him. The 21-year-old, who is a Cameroon international with seven caps under his belt, has been a key player at the AMEX Stadium over recent times. He is being tipped for a bright future in the game.
Alan Shearer delivered his verdict after Baleba helped his current club beat Manchester City back in November, as per BBC Sport: "First half, Brighton were too nice and showed too much respect [to City]. They stood off and let them play and that caused them all sorts of problems. Second half, it all changed. He [Baleba] came on and got among them. He showed energy, aggression and he got rattled them.
"Brighton were a completely different team in the second half and it started because of him, he played on the front foot. They should have scored four or five. He was absolutely wonderful. He changed the tempo and performance on the front foot and defensively. They got the three points which they deserved."
Manchester United favourite Roy Keane has already delivered his Carlos Baleba verdict
United favourite Roy Keane is also an admirer of Baleba. After Brighton beat Newcastle United in the FA Cup last term, he said: “It’ll be interesting to see what happens this summer. Fantastic, great example. The other clubs must be looking at Brighton and thinking, how are they doing it?”
The Seagulls signed the prospect in 2023 and he hasn’t looked back since. He has adapted with ease to life in England and has made 77 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with four goals. He is under contract in Sussex until 2028 meaning Fabian Hürzeler’s side are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon and can wait for the right offer to come in for his services before they even consider letting him depart.
Baleba started his career as a youngster at EF Brasseries du Cameroun. Lille then swooped in for him and he initially became an important member of their B team squad. He subsequently made the step up into their first-team and 23 matches, 19 of which came in Ligue 1, before Brighton took a gamble on him. When they do eventually sell him on, they are likely to pick up a hefty profit on him.
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