The international break has been broadly positive for Manchester United, but Bryan Mbeumo’s Cameroon suffered a setback.
Cameroon needed a win at Cape Verde in their last World Cup qualifying fixture to secure their ticket for 2026, but they suffered a 1-0 loss instead.
Man Utd’s woes were added to by the fact that their transfer target Carlos Baleba lost the ball for Cape Verde’s winner.
Some solace can be taken after seeing Bryan Mbeumo with Baleba as the Man Utd attacker consoled his international teammate, and, hopefully, by this time next season, his club teammate.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty ImagesBryan Mbeumo spotted with Carlos Baleba
The value of these international friendships cannot be overstated when talking about club transfers.
Andre Onana launched a full charm offensive to convince Mbeumo to come to Old Trafford, although it’s another matter entirely that he himself won’t be here anymore.
The same goes for Casemiro-Matheus Cunha, and, hopefully, Mbeumo-Baleba in the future.
Baleba suffered the ignominy of being the architect of Cameroon’s downfall against Cape Verde as he lost the ball from which they scored.
However, at just 21, they are part of growing experiences that he will go through and become stronger as a result.
Mbeumo was spotted consoling a desolate Baleba after the goal, who fell to his haunches as the World Cup dream remained distant.
Man Utd missing out on Baleba is blessing in disguise
There are no questions over Baleba’s potential, and his fit in a Ruben Amorim XI is as perfect as it comes.
However, in the long run, United might not regret missing out on Baleba this summer, if his performances this season are any indication.
The 21-year-old has been shaky and struggled to build on his breakout season, which is always the likely scenario for a young player who has a meteoric rise.
United are seeing it with Mainoo, because, as opponents figure you out, you need to evolve and adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve.
Had Baleba been making these mistakes as a United player, the pressure on him would have become unbearable, potentially trapping him in a vicious cycle of low confidence.
Another season at Brighton, where he can make mistakes in a low-pressure environment, will allow him to come to United next season as a more seasoned professional.
United missing out on Baleba this summer could end up being a blessing in disguise.