Carlos Baleba took to Old Trafford on Saturday evening for the first time since being linked with Manchester United over the summer.
Indeed, the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder retained his starting spot in Fabian Hurzeler’s XI, with the head coach keen to continue his stellar, unbeaten record against the Red Devils.
In the hours leading up to kick-off, Baleba added fuel to the fire of his transfer speculation surrounding United, as he shared an Instagram story with the caption “Coming to Old Trafford” along with a laughing emoji, before deleting and reposting without the text.
It seemed as though the Cameroonian was playing games with the United faithful – like the best online casino games we’ve been playing – by hinting at a potential move.
Matheus Cunha, Casemiro and Bryan Mbeumo (x2) personally intervened to put a stop to Brighton’s winning record in M16 – even despite a late scare when the Seagulls almost fought their way back into the tie via goals from former Red Danny Welbeck (74’) and Charalampos Kostoulas (90+2’).
Thankfully for Ruben Amorim, Mbeumo completed his brace in the seventh minute of injury time, sealing a crucial three points and a third successive win for United.
Throughout his 59-minute stint, Baleba was nowhere near his best, which has been a recurring issue this season for Hurzeler
The German coach recently put Baleba’s fluctuating form down to his links to United after the young starlet held talks with INEOS chiefs over the summer.
“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,” said Hurzeler last month.
“That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club that wants to have him.”
United ultimately opted against submitting an official bid, but reports have suggested the 21-year-old remains an option on their shortlist heading into the New Year.
However, club officials are well aware that any prospective deal for Baleba would cost upwards of £100 million, so you’d imagine he’s viewed as more of a marquee summer signing than mid-season acquisition – especially considering Brighton don’t want to sell him in the first place.
Amorim is expected to have a new midfielder added to his ranks in the winter, although it’s more likely that this could be via a loan signing or cut-price deal. For example, Conor Gallagher, who was also deemed a target for United in August, could depart Atletico Madrid on loan after playing a reduced role under Diego Simeone since 2025/2026 got underway.
Authors
