One of Manchester United's past transfer targets has opened up on the speculation after a slow start this season, while new details have emerged regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's 2021 reunion
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park
A report has revealed how Manchester United were manipulated into re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo
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Manchester United target Carlos Baleba has spoken out following a slump in form since being linked with a move to Old Trafford. The Brighton midfielder was tipped as a £100million prospect to join Ruben Amorim's squad before a late transfer bid fell through in the summer.
Baleba has been selected by Cameroon for this year's Africa Cup of Nations, where he'll join forces with United star Bryan Mbeumo. The 21-year-old has addressed the situation ahead of potential renewed interest from United next year.
In other news, details surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's 2021 return to Manchester tell how United were persuaded into finalising the transfer. Here, the Manchester Evening News explores the latest headlines from Old Trafford as Amorim and his team prepare to take on Aston Villa this Sunday.
Jorge Mendes engineered Ronaldo's United comeback
Though he'd built a legendary status at Old Trafford during his first spell, Ronaldo's 2021 return divided opinion among fans and pundits. Some devoted supporters were thrilled about the long-anticipated reunion despite Ronaldo being 36 and well beyond his peak, while others questioned the logic behind the investment.
As events unfolded, the sceptics were proved right. Ronaldo netted 24 goals in his first campaign back at the Theatre of Dreams following his Juventus exit, but he ultimately moved to Al-Nassr in December 2022 following reports he'd become a disruptive influence in the changing room.
The Daily Mail has now disclosed that Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, engineered the transfer by embellishing certain details. Specifically, he led United to believe Ronaldo "had the pen in his hand" ready to join rivals Manchester City, which was sufficient to prompt the Red Devils into immediate action.
Jorge Mendes
Jorge Mendes played a critical role in landing Ronaldo an Old Trafford reunion
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A source with knowledge of the deal was quoted, saying: "It created a panic. The idea of him scoring for City against United was too much for them. They were frightened to death about how the fans would react when the reality was that signing him would go against everything that Ole was trying to do."
It's perhaps no coincidence United had four different managers during Ronaldo's second spell at the club. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge when the deal was completed, while Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick held caretaker roles before Erik ten Hag's appointment in 2022.
Despite his prolific return initially back in England, Ronaldo's move ended up costing United roughly £1.2m per goal he scored. And it was all allegedly down to the masterminding of a certain super agent behind the scenes.
Carlos Baleba discusses rumours
United supporters believed they had a game-changing transfer on their hands when it was revealed late in the summer that the club was considering a move Baleba. The Seagulls' standout player had just finished a breakthrough season on the south coast and seemed to meet nearly all the criteria for what the club needs in midfield.
However, United were priced out of a deal after Brighton revealed his £100m price tag. And some have suggested the distraction of United's interest may have contributed to his diminished performance this season.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at St Mary's Stadium
Carlos Baleba has rejected the notion United's interest affected his performance this season
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The youngster has completed a full 90 minutes only once in the Premier League this campaign, having appeared virtually indispensable under manager Fabian Hurzeler last season. Still, Baleba dismissed suggestions United's interest has impacted his performances this term, although he conceded circumstances have changed.
"I don't think it affected me. But I had a lot of pressure on me," he said during an interview ahead of the AFCON. "When I started the season, I wanted to [have] the same performances as last season.
"Every day I try to work hard and to get [back] to my level. Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, but I think that's good."