An ex-Cameroon and Manchester United star has revealed three ways how Carlos Baleba would improve Ruben Amorim’s side.
Manchester United are looking to make a strong statement in the final weeks of the summer transfer window with a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Rúben Amorim has already been backed with three major first-team arrivals – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško – all brought in to help solve United’s attacking issues.
Attention has now turned to strengthening other areas of the squad, with Baleba viewed as a midfielder capable of making an immediate impact.
The Reds believe the 21-year-old is open to the switch, though Brighton are expected to drive a hard bargain in any negotiations.
Djemba-Djemba reveals how Baleba would improve United
Reports have suggested that several United players have spoken to Baleba about his potential Old Trafford move. Two of those were likely his fellow Cameroon internationals in Mbeumo and André Onana.
The first Cameroon star to feature for the club was Eric Djemba-Djemba after signing in 2003 and he has spoken on what Baleba can offer Amorim’s side.
In an interview with Footy Africa, Djemba-Djemba said: “Baleba is currently among the top defensive and box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League, and joining Manchester United wouldn’t surprise me at all.
“It would be a masterstroke of a deal for both the player and Manchester United. He’s a massive passer and a shield to the backline, but also great going upfront, which is what Ruben Amorim desires. Baleba would also improve his game working in a project under a whole new rebuild.
“For me, that would only spell good news for Cameroon to be honest. The only negative about this deal is that Brighton would be losing a massive asset. He’s such a beast, yet he also has the ability to pass at range and shoot.”
Baleba’s profile is perfect
The most important aspect of Djemba-Djemba’s praise of Baleba is that this is a player who offers a ‘shield’ to the backline while he’s also talented on the ball.
Manuel Ugarte is United’s current option in that position and he has shown a great ability out of possession during periods of his first season at Old Trafford.
Read More: Gary Lineker agrees with Ruben Amorim about Manchester United’s ‘perfect’ next signing
But it is extremely clear that he will never be at the level on the ball which top teams in Europe and the Premier League demand.
Baleba is a unique profile who can clearly do the dirty work that United need in the middle while also elevating the team in possession.
It is understandable that this is a difficult deal to complete because the 21-year-old is the kind of player that many top teams are desperate for.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.