Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Carlos Baleba despite his struggles in the Premier League this season.
In the latter stages of the summer transfer window, Manchester United showed interest in Carlos Baleba before Brighton’s £100+ demand ended all speculation.
However, Baleba is on United’s radar for 2026 when the Red Devils are set to overhaul their midfield. Casemiro’s contract is expiring, Kobbie Mainoo is open to a loan exit and Bruno Fernandes continues to be linked with Saudi clubs.
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Baleba is open to joining United, but the 21-year-old midfielder has seen his form fall off a cliff in 2025/26.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler admits Baleba has been impacted by links to United, and his performances are becoming more and more of a concern.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton looks on during their Premier League match vs Tottenham Hotspur
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Carlos Baleba struggles continue with nightmare display
Brighton beat Brentford 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, but the Seagulls only started to perform when Baleba was taken off.
The young midfielder started for Brighton but was hooked at half-time by Hurzeler following a dreadful performance.
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Via SofaScore, Baleba got the lowest ranking of any player on the pitch with a 5.8.
Carlos Baleba vs Brentford Match stats
Minutes played 45
Touches 30
Passes completed 78% (14/18)
Duels won 0% (0/4)
Dribbles completed 0% (0/1)
Possessions lost 8
Baleba failed to win a single duel or complete a dribble, and to make matters worse he conceded the penalty that allowed Brentford to take the lead.
After Baleba was replaced at half-time, Brighton went on to complete a comeback and win 2-1. Baleba is still yet to play a full 90-minute match in the Premier League this season.
Man United must walk away from Carlos Baleba
United have adopted a data-driven approach under Ineos when it comes to transfers, and it appears to have improved recruitment.
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Clearly, data over the summer proved that Baleba was a good fit for Ruben Amorim and his system.
However, playing for United is as much about mentality as it is skill. Baleba has been in bad form ever since being linked with a move, and that is a huge red flag for Ineos.
READ MORE: Elliot Anderson has three traits that make him a better signing than Carlos Baleba for Man United
Unlike Baleba, Elliot Anderson is thriving amid links to Old Trafford. Amorim needs calm and composure in midfield and Baleba is proving that he cannot handle the spotlight before having even made a move.
A central midfielder will be the top priority in 2026, but Baleba cannot be at the top of the shopping list.