Man United advance Carlos Baleba pursuit - Amorim-backed blueprint for a new midfield

Manchester United have kept internal talks active for Carlos Baleba, with decision-makers aligned to move when the window opens. The Brighton midfielder is viewed as an ideal profile for a high-press, vertical system, and there is a working blueprint to integrate him alongside Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. I am told there is no Bayern acceleration at this stage, which quietly strengthens United's position if they act decisively. The fit is clear, the pathway is defined, and the timing is right. This is one to watch closely as United push to modernise their midfield core.

The discussions come as United prioritise a ball-winning, press-resistant No. 6-8 who can carry through pressure and link the first and second phases. Baleba, under a long-term contract at Brighton, has grown into a high-usage midfielder trusted to break lines and recover transitions. United's recruitment unit have tracked him since his Lille emergence and maintained interest after he adapted to Premier League tempo. With Premier League rivals Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson also mapped as complementary profiles, United are preparing for a multi-layered midfield refresh ahead of the next window. European competitors have not moved decisively, creating a window of opportunity if United push.

🚨🗣️ @FabrizioRomano: "Manchester United, I can guarantee, their internal talks at the club have not stopped on Carlos Baleba because Baleba is seen still as an ideal solution by Ruben Amorim and other people at the club. Baleba, together with Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson,

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

From a tactical lens, Baleba is a clean fit for an Amorim-style template that builds in a 3-2-5 and hunts the ball in waves. The 21-year-old profiles as a hybrid 6-8: aggressive in duels, quick over short distances, and comfortable receiving on the half-turn against pressure. At Brighton he showed repeatable actions United lack at volume - secure first touch under a press, shoulder checks before entry passes, and confident carries through the inside channel to beat the first line. These micro-skills matter when your eights are tasked with tilting the pitch rather than simply recycling possession.

In possession, Baleba slots naturally as the left pivot of the 2 in build, stepping up into a box with the 10 to create a 3-2-2-3 shape. He can punch vertical passes into the attacking midfielders and then sprint to close the back door for rest defense. Out of possession, he wins territory with early body contact and angles his pressing to trap toward the touchline - a detail that cuts progressive options and sets the platform for transitions. United have struggled to compress space between lines; Baleba reduces those gaps because he reads the trigger and goes.

The synergy with profiles like Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson is logical. Wharton offers metronome control and lane-switching, Anderson brings energy between lines, and Baleba supplies the engine plus carrying threat. On paper, that triangle restores balance: one tempo-setter, one connector, one ball winner-carrier. Data backs the thesis: Baleba rates well for defensive actions won, pressure regains and progressive carries relative to age peers, while keeping turnovers manageable for a high-touch role. Add age curve and resale security, and this is a football and finance aligned move.

Reaction

The immediate fan split is familiar. One camp is buzzing that pushing for Baleba in the next window would signal real intent, calling it the kind of proactive move United need to reset the midfield. Another camp rails against what they view as repetitive reporting, arguing the links are recycled and predicting the club will default to a cheaper, safer option. There is also skepticism about signal versus noise, with some accusing headline names of echoing each other instead of offering new detail.

What stands out beneath the noise is a consistent theme: supporters want clarity and pace. They see the logic of pairing a press-resistant carrier with a composed distributor and a runner between lines. They also see the market realities - Brighton sell hard, timing matters, and dithering invites competition. The mention that Bayern have not moved resonates because it feels like a narrow window where United can lead, not follow. Fans who have watched Baleba closely point to his composure under pressure and willingness to receive facing his own goal as attributes the current squad lacks.

Even the doubters concede the profile makes sense; their pushback targets execution, not the idea. That’s typical of a fanbase burned by near-misses. If United convert interest into a structured bid with a clear role communication, the tone will flip quickly from skepticism to anticipation. In short, belief hinges on action.

Social reactions

Whatever is cheap they will go for.

big D (@Utd1999_)

we know this only he is repeating same stuff like always

mufc (@rrrrooonn00)

Absolute bluffer regurgitating what Ornstein has said

jmpc79 (@jmpc79)

Prediction

Expect United to formalise interest with Brighton via exploratory terms on structure rather than headline fee first. Brighton’s playbook is predictable: long contract protection, premium for intra-league sales, and incentives based on appearances and team success. A realistic pathway would be a base in the mid-to-high 40s in millions, escalators tied to Champions League qualification and milestones, and a sell-on that gives Brighton upside if Baleba hits elite levels.

On the sporting side, United will outline a clear role map: year one as rotation-to-starter in a double pivot, year two as first-choice anchor in big games, with usage as a carrier against mid-blocks and a screen against transition-heavy sides. To de-risk, they will also keep parallel tracks warm with profiles like Wharton and Anderson to ensure depth and tactical flexibility. If talks move cleanly, a medical and announcement early in the window is achievable, especially if there is no late surge from continental clubs.

Key catalysts to watch: early alignment on add-ons, Brighton’s replacement pipeline readiness, and United’s outgoings to open wages and squad slots. If two of those three break United’s way, this has a high chance of completion. My model puts the likelihood as strong if United submit a structured bid before rivals stir. Delay, and the price rises while the field broadens.

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Conclusion

Everything points in one direction: United have identified the right profile at the right time, and the pathway to land Carlos Baleba is open if they move first. The football case is compelling - a high-ceiling ball winner who can carry through pressure and stabilise rest defense - and the squad fit alongside complementary Premier League midfielders is tight. The market case works too, because you pay a premium for age, scarcity and adaptability in this league, then let the development curve do the compounding.

I’ve seen Baleba live and on tape across different contexts. The constants are bravery to show, economy of touches under pressure, and repeat sprint capacity to close spaces in transition. Those traits change how a midfield feels over 90 minutes. United’s internal alignment and the absence of an aggressive rival bid make this the moment to convert. Barring late twists, I expect United to push this over the line with a structured offer that satisfies Brighton’s model. It reads like a deal that gets done, and one that makes United better on day one.