Manchester United transfer news as Carlos Baleba continues to be linked with strengthening United's midfield
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo made his Manchester United debut at the weekend(Image: 2025 James Gill - Danehouse)
Manchester United stars Bryan Mbeumo and Andre Onana have both shown their admiration to Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba amid interest from United.
Baleba was identified as Ruben Amorim's ideal candidate to strengthen his midfield following Benjamin Sesko's arrival. However, a move for the Cameroonian international failed to gather pace.
United have spent big in the transfer window this summer, splashing over £200million on Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo. Further additions relied heavily on getting players out of the door but that has proven to be difficult.
Marcus Rashford is the only big-name departure, leaving on loan for Barcelona. Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony all remain at the club despite not being involved in Amorim's squad throughout the summer.
Brighton's £100m-plus price tag, one they are adamant about sticking to, has also meant any summer move for Baleba is extremely unlikely at this point. However, it isn't impossible with interest growing in Garnacho, Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund.
In United's first game of the season against Arsenal, the midfield pivot came under scrutiny with Bruno Fernandes partnering Casemiro. While Fernandes performed well, Casemiro struggled at times and Manuel Ugarte, who came off the bench to replace the Brazilian, also failed to make an impact.
A new midfielder, as well a goalkeeper, is the priority at Old Trafford before the window closes on September 1. Baleba continues to be linked with a move to Manchester and the player is one who is liked by two of Amorim's current charges.
Mbeumo and Onana, who play alongside Baleba for the Cameroon national team, have recently made their feelings known of the midfielder's ability. Baleba played in Brighton's opening day draw with Fulham and took to Instagram to react.
Posting a series of images from the match, Baleba said it is "just me doing the thing I love most" in a hint towards his current happiness at Brighton. "Just me doing the thing I love most. Had fun playing at home with the boys. Nothing new here, just my number and a haircut," the caption said in full.
Alongside over 287,000 people, Mbeumo and Onana both liked the midfielder's post, which included hundreds of comments urging the 21-year-old to come to United this summer.
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