Fabian Hurzeler’s latest comments surrounding Carlos Baleba may worry Rúben Amorim amid Manchester United’s transfer interest.
Manchester United’s season hasn’t been off to the greatest of starts, manager Ruben Amorim has been under considerable pressure after a series of poor performances from his side, including their shock Carabao Cup exit to League two side Grimsby Town.
However, after beating Chelsea 2-1 in a rain-soaked affair in the Premier League, some of that pressure has been alleviated.
Goals from captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro sealed the deal for the Red Devils, with the two midfielders proving to be the difference on the day.
Regardless of this, United still have their eye on signing another, more defensive-minded midfielder to strengthen their squad, with one target over the summer being Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Can Baleba cope with the pressure?
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler may have United fans doubting whether Baleba, who the South Coast valued at around £100 million, is worth the hefty price tag. In the summer, Amorim’s side initially valued the midfielder at a fee closer to the one Joao Pedro signed with Chelsea for, at roughly £60 million.
The German manager commented on Baleba’s underwhelming start to the season, suggesting he may be affected by the interest from a club like United, which could make United’s valuation of £60 million more accurate than Brighton’s £100 million demand.
“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep (down),” the Premier League boss explained.
“That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him.
“But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team, and that’s something we have to keep on working with him, and therefore I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not.
“But for sure, he’s a young boy and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on, then he always runs and off, then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.”
Worrying signs for United prospect
This will no doubt worry those within United, who see the 21-year-old as a priority target, as his naturally defensive anchoring role would allow more room for players such as Fernandes to push higher up the pitch.
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If he is already struggling with the pressure of being linked to a ‘big’ club like United, then fans will no doubt be put off signing the youngster, as the number of signings that have flopped at United in the last decade is countless, and Amorim will be desperate not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors.
Of course, these comments are all speculation; the season is only five games in, and Baleba still has his best years firmly ahead of him, so there is plenty of time for him to regain form.
For now, United will have to continue with the midfield selection they have, with potential for some new additions in January; however, only time will tell whether Baleba is still on their radar when the window opens halfway through the season.
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