Why Baleba's move could boost Manchester United

Manchester United's Approach to Carlos Baleba

After focusing on strengthening their attacking options during the summer transfer window, Manchester United turned their attention to Brighton and Hove Albion, specifically targeting Carlos Baleba in the final stages of the window. At just 21 years old, Baleba had already made a name for himself in the Premier League, showing promise as a defensive midfielder who could command a significant fee.

Brighton used Moises Caicedo’s £115m transfer as a benchmark, setting a price tag over £100m for Baleba. Despite this, Manchester United decided to hold off on making a move, recognizing the high cost and the potential risks involved. This decision has since been validated by events that have unfolded in the following months.

Baleba's Struggles and the Pressure of Expectations

In the months since, it has become clear that the decision to wait was wise. While Manchester United may not have an abundance of midfield options, they have watched as Baleba has struggled to cope with the expectations placed upon him in his third Premier League season. His performance has taken a noticeable dip, raising concerns about whether he is ready for the demands of a top-tier club like United.

Baleba has denied that the links with Manchester United have negatively impacted his performance, but there is no denying a decline in form. In December, he acknowledged the pressure he felt: “I don’t think it affected me negatively, but I had a lot of pressure on me. Every day I try to work hard and get back to my level. Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, but I think it’s good.”

However, if he cannot manage the pressure he places on himself, it raises questions about his readiness for the challenges of playing for a club like Manchester United. This has led some fans to view Brighton’s stance on selling Baleba as a positive development.

Brighton's Stance and Future Plans

Speaking to talkSPORT, Brighton’s CEO Paul Barber confirmed that there has been no contact from Manchester United or any other clubs interested in Baleba. He emphasized that the club has no immediate plans to sell the Cameroonian midfielder, stating, “We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos in this window, or in any future window, but we know he’s a talented player and he’s got a lot of options ahead of him in the future.”

Barber also mentioned that Baleba will be crucial for Brighton in the second half of the season, adding, “For us right now, he’s an important player in the second half of the season and we’re looking forward to getting him back from AFCON.”

The Market for Defensive Midfielders

At present, there are not many top defensive midfielders available on the market, which may explain why Baleba has been valued so highly. However, Manchester United would be better served waiting for more options to emerge before making a move. Jumping at Baleba now would mean paying a premium for a player who is not currently meeting the required standards.

It can be tempting to panic in a transfer window, especially when addressing a key position like defensive midfield. But in this case, Brighton might have done Manchester United a favor by holding onto Baleba for now.

Conclusion

For now, Baleba is not the player Manchester United need him to be, nor does he justify the price tag Brighton has set. If the south coast club remains unwilling to sell in January or the summer, it should be acceptable for the Reds to continue their search for a more suitable option. Patience may ultimately prove to be the best strategy in this situation.