Carlos Baleba continues to be linked to Manchester United so there was plenty of interest in his performance at Old Trafford.
Over the summer, Manchester United were ready to bid for Carlos Baleba after Ineos identified him as the top midfield target, but a price tag of over £100 million meant the Red Devils walked away.
But it has been reported that United could return for Baleba in 2026. The 21-year-old was open to the move in the summer and that is not expected to change.
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However, Baleba has struggled for form this season, with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler suggesting the transfer rumours have impacted his performances.
With that in mind, there were plenty of eyes on Carlos Baleba’s performance during United’s 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday evening.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesCarlos Baleba struggled against Manchester United
If Ineos are going to revisit a deal for Baleba, it is important to know he can handle the pressure of playing at Old Trafford.
Therefore, Saturday’s clash was like an audition for Baleba ahead of 2026. However, his performance left much to be desired.
United pressed high against Brighton, and Baleba struggled to handle the pressure with several misplaced passes and lapses of attention in the opening phases.
He was replaced on the hour mark by Hurzeler, and his stats from the display paint the picture of a struggling player.
Carlos Baleba vs Man UnitedStatisticsMinutes played59Touches49Passes completed81% (34/42)Duels won50% (1/2)Possessions lost10Dribbles completed0Ball recoveries7
As per SofaScore, Baleba only won one duel during his time on the pitch, yet lost possession 10 times from midfield.
Before the United match, Brighton boss Hurzeler sent a message to Baleba and challenged him to “overcome the noise”, but it seemed to overwhelm the Cameroon midfielder on Saturday.
As quoted by The Argus, Hurzeler said: “It’s also the next step for him as a person, for him as a personality, to overcome these rumours, to overcome this noise.”
Ineos must make bold Carlos Baleba decision
Signing a midfielder will be a top priority for Ineos in 2026, and Baleba will once again be on the club’s shortlist.
But a disappointing start to the season, paired with an underwhelming performance at Old Trafford, should make United’s hierarchy think twice about splashing huge money on the young midfielder.
Baleba has brilliant characteristics that appear to suit Amorim’s system on paper, but Ineos need to find a long-term replacement for Casemiro and it seems the Brighton star is still extremely raw.
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United have Baleba alternatives, and if Brighton are still holding out for a huge transfer fee in 2026 then Ineos might have to make a bold decision and walk away.
It is still in Baleba’s hands to turn things around and make a positive impression, and that is exactly what Amorim and Ineos will be looking out for this season. As things stand, it seems a move to Old Trafford is slipping through his fingers.