There is now a growing belief Manchester United will go back in for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, following the 1-1 draw against Fulham, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.
He claimed in his ‘Inside Football’ bi-weekly newsletter today that the result, and the manner with which it came, have got the Red Devils hierarchy thinking.
Fulham star Alex Iwobi revealed after the game that the hosts knew the game plan Man United would deploy in the middle of the park due to the style of play of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
“We knew that we would be able to get behind their two midfielders and that their centre-backs would want to jump,” the former Arsenal star said after the game.
“We exploited that today.”
"I know his trademark cross, you know!"
Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe react to Fulham's 1-1 draw with Man United thanks to their link-up for the goal ? pic.twitter.com/96lmp7Y2rx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
Man United head coach Ruben Amorim wants a physical and an athletic runner who can carry the ball up the pitch.
The Red Devils now see Baleba as the potential £120 million answer in the centre, but they have other options.
Amorim likes Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, but the Portuguese club want £70m.
Man United’s recruitment team believe that might be too much for a player who is not that fast, and they may have to look elsewhere or meet the demands of Brighton.
Baleba has come out on top in the data for all of Man United’s requirements, but the Red Devils could go for Crystal Palace defensive midfielder Adam Wharton if they cannot get the Cameroon international.
However, the Old Trafford club hold a long-term interest in pairing the two together going forward.
Amorim also wants a deep-lying playmaker alongside Baleba to complete his system, and the England international is seen as the ideal man for the job.