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“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” Baleba said. “Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.

"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," he said. "Playing at Old Trafford is always special, but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.

Carlos Baleba When you have a chance to get the bag and move to Manchester United, why wouldn't you take that opportunity as a player? Worst-case scenario, he ends up heading to another club in a few years without taking much of a hit to his own reputation. In the best-case scenario, he can be part of the latest show at the Theatre of Dreams. While United may not have played to expectations over the past few years, the draw to get back to their history is always strong, and for Baleba, it's a no-brainer to make this move. Grade: A

Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the club. He featured 35 times last season and was absent for a spell while representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

United require greater authority in the middle of the pitch and, crucially, someone capable of winning the ball back in deeper areas. Baleba brings exactly that. His athleticism, aggression and ability to carry the ball through midfield would add a level of dynamism and steel that is currently missing.

Last season with Brighton, there was the issue where Baleba would get into good positions but struggle to set up his teammates to make the best out of them, but alongside Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, he'll have dynamic players who he can pass the ball off to as United get their attacks going. Carrick will still want better passing than what he was able to produce last season, but considering that he scored four goals and grabbed two assists in all competitions during the 2024-25 season, the true Baleba is likely somewhere in between that.

But that may make him complementary to United's other options rather than a direct alternative. Tielemans can provide more of the progressive distribution, while Baleba offers defensive security and the ability to drive through midfield.