Manchester United fans are anticipating their third midfield signing of the summer.
Carlos Baleba
It was reported earlier this morning by David Ornstein that the Red Devils were nearing a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
Assuming the deal goes through as expected, the Cameroonian would become the club’s third midfield signing after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Here is how the club could line up with Baleba in the starting line-up.
Starting XI
Despite signing Karl Darlow this summer, Senne Lammens will undoubtedly be the club’s first-choice keeper after a stunning first season at the club.
Diogo Dalot has often been favoured by Michael Carrick, but Noussair Mazraoui offers greater consistency and has impressed during his two-year spell at Old Trafford.
Ayden Heaven may be young, but he has often shown quality and decision-making abilities beyond his years, and his physicality and speed will be essential for United’s defence.
Leny Yoro hardly had his best season last year, but he has bundles of potential, and the only way he will improve is if he is given significant game time, especially alongside his potential long-term partner in defence.
Luke Shaw was sensational last season but has shown concerning tendencies during pre-season, especially against AC Milan last weekend. Nonetheless, unless the club signs someone between now and the end of the window, he is still the club’s best option at left-back.
Carlos Baleba will take his place in a defensive midfield position, allowing his excellent physicality, speed, defensive work, and ball-carrying to shine through.
Fellow new signing Youri Tielemans will complement Baleba well, as whilst he is not as strong physically, his excellent passing and movement will allow United to play a very balanced midfield.
Bruno Fernandes will unquestionably play as the more advanced midfielder, and Baleba’s off-the-ball work should allow the Portugal international to prosper and focus on what he excels at: creating.
Matheus Cunha was wonderful in the second half of last season and will once again be imperative to United’s success this season. Bryan Mbeumo will play off the right as he brings much-needed clinical finishing, and Benjamin Sesko will be the club’s go-to number nine once he overcomes his injury problems that have plagued his pre-season.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
