Manchester United’s midfield rebuild could be about to receive another major addition, with the club reportedly edging closer to signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to David Ornstein, United have submitted a package worth around £65 million — £60m plus £5m in add-ons for the 22-year-old Cameroon international. While the proposal remains below Brighton’s valuation, talks between the clubs are described as amicable, with all parties working towards reaching an agreement.
Baleba would become the latest piece in Michael Carrick’s significant midfield rebuild following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer.
If United can get the deal over the line, Carrick would suddenly have several very different combinations available to him. Here are three midfield setups Manchester United could use with Baleba.
1. Carlos Baleba – Andrey Santos – Bruno Fernandes
Perhaps the most exciting option from a physical perspective would see Baleba and Santos operating as a double pivot behind Bruno Fernandes.
It would undoubtedly be an energetic and powerful midfield. Both Baleba and Santos have the physical qualities to cover large areas of the pitch, compete in duels and help United regain possession aggressively.
More importantly, neither player necessarily needs to be restricted to one fixed midfield role. Both are capable of switching between the No.6 and No.8 positions, potentially allowing Carrick to build a much more fluid midfield.
When Santos moves forward, Baleba could provide the defensive protection behind him. Equally, Baleba’s ability to carry the ball and drive through midfield could allow Santos to hold his position and provide security.
That versatility could be particularly useful during attacking transitions, with both players capable of contributing defensively before immediately helping United move forward.
It would also give Bruno Fernandes almost complete attacking freedom. Rather than regularly dropping deeper to help United progress possession or compensate defensively, the captain could operate predominantly in advanced areas, where his creativity and final ball are most dangerous.
2. Carlos Baleba – Youri Tielemans – Bruno Fernandes
If Carrick prioritises experience, a midfield containing Baleba, Tielemans and Fernandes could be his strongest option.
Tielemans arrived at United this summer after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most technically accomplished central midfielders, while Fernandes has been the creative centrepiece of United’s team for years. Tielemans also brings considerable experience, having accumulated hundreds of senior appearances during his career.
However, this combination would place considerable responsibility on Baleba.
Fernandes is about to turn 32, while Tielemans is 29, meaning Baleba would comfortably be the youngest and most physically dynamic member of the trio. With United also returning to Champions League football, Carrick will need to carefully manage the physical demands placed on his midfield across the season.
If this becomes United’s preferred midfield, Baleba could therefore be required to do much of the heavy lifting in terms of work rate.
He would need to cover significant ground, protect the defence and win possession, allowing Tielemans to concentrate more on controlling games with his passing and Fernandes to remain influential in attacking areas.
It could be United’s most experienced and technically polished midfield, but Baleba’s energy would be crucial to making the balance work.
3. Carlos Baleba – Kobbie Mainoo – Bruno Fernandes
The third possibility is arguably the most intriguing: Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes.
This would be one of the most versatile midfield combinations available to Carrick because all three players offer very different qualities.
Baleba provides power, ball-carrying ability and defensive intensity. Mainoo offers composure in tight spaces, technical security and the ability to progress possession under pressure. Fernandes, meanwhile, supplies the risk-taking, chance creation and attacking output.
Those contrasting profiles could ultimately help each player perform better when used together.
Baleba could provide some of the athleticism and defensive coverage that allows Mainoo to concentrate on receiving and progressing the ball, while Fernandes could stay higher and look for opportunities to create.
It is certainly an exciting midfield that Carrick might experiment with if the Baleba transfer goes through.
At the same time, its success would not be guaranteed. Carrick would need to find the right balance between three very different midfield profiles and establish clearly defined responsibilities both in and out of possession.
What Next for Carlos Baleba and Man Utd?
As things stand, Baleba appears increasingly likely to become a Manchester United player if the club can reach an agreement with Brighton. Negotiations remain ongoing, with United’s current £60m plus £5m proposal still below Brighton’s valuation.
Should the transfer be completed, Carrick would have an impressive variety of midfield options at his disposal.
Whether Baleba partners Santos, Tielemans or Mainoo, the 22-year-old could provide the athleticism and defensive intensity United’s new-look midfield needs. The next question would be how quickly he can adapt, and which combination ultimately proves to be Carrick’s best.
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