How Carlos Baleba Could Solve Manchester United’s Midfield Problem

Carlos Baleba could be the key to fixing Manchester United’s midfield under Ruben Amorim this season.

United’s summer rebuild is rapidly taking shape. After bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the club have agreed an €85 million deal with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, beating Newcastle to the highly sought-after striker.

The trio add quality, pace, and power to the forward line, but while the attack is being reshaped under Amorim, the midfield remains a puzzle in need of solving.

That’s where Brighton’s Carlos Baleba enters the conversation.

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Why Manchester United Need a Player Like Carlos Baleba

Amorim has made no secret of wanting more athleticism across the pitch. His preferred 3-4-2-1 system places heavy physical demands on the midfield duo, who must cover huge spaces both in and out of possession.

United’s current options — Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Kobbie Mainoo — each bring clear strengths, but none combine elite defensive work, press resistance, and the ability to drive the ball through midfield. Baleba offers all three in one package.

At just 21, the Cameroon international has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic young midfielders.

He ranks among the top tier in England for front-foot defending and tackle success, while also carrying the ball through pressure zones — a rare combination United lack.

Will Brighton Sell Carlos Baleba?

Brighton signed Baleba from Lille in 2023 to replace Moises Caicedo, and after a season of adaptation, he became a key figure in 2024-25.

Only Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen played more league minutes.

Brighton are under no pressure to sell, with three years left on his deal, and would likely demand a fee in line with the £115m Chelsea paid for Caicedo.

That stance could complicate any United approach, especially given the club’s recent heavy investment in attack.

What Makes Carlos Baleba So Good?

Baleba is a left-footed central midfielder who can break lines with passes, carry the ball through pressure, and win duels at an elite rate.

He has also shown versatility by filling in at left centre-back when needed, adding an extra layer of tactical flexibility for Amorim.

His physical profile — pace, power, and endurance — would immediately raise United’s midfield intensity.

Offensively, he’s capable of turning defence into attack in seconds, a quality that would complement the running power of Cunha and the aerial threat of Sesko.

Whether United can prise Baleba away this summer will depend on outgoing transfers and Brighton’s willingness to negotiate.

But if Amorim wants his midfield to match the dynamism of his new-look forward line, Baleba looks like the missing piece of the puzzle.

And with the club already showing it’s still an attractive place to come, United may yet test Brighton’s resolve before the window closes.