Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has given his verdict on the club’s signing of Carlos Baleba and how he may fare.
Baleba signs
United confirmed Baleba’s arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in August, joining on a deal worth up to £70m, made up of a £65m guaranteed fee plus £5m in add-ons.
He put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months.
Baleba was a long-term target for United, who unsuccessfully attempted to sign him last summer. The Red Devils eventually pulled out of a deal due to Brighton’s hefty valuation.
But United maintained their interest in the Cameroonian and have since secured his services. Baleba has yet to make his senior debut as he continues to recover from an injury picked up in Brighton’s pre-season.
He is expected to return after the upcoming international break.
Baleba verdict
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes and former teammate Nicky Butt argued whether or not Baleba will be a hit at Old Trafford.
Asked whether Baleba will be a hit or miss, Butt answered, “Hit!”
Scholes said, “Hit, I think.”
Butt added, “I just think he’s what’s needed in midfield for Man United. Bit of physicality. I think we have got some fantastic midfielders who can play football to the highest level, but a little bit of physicality in there needed, and I think he will bring that.”
Scholes however remarked, “I don’t think it’s a guaranteed hit, but I don’t think he had a great season last year.”
“If the season before, then, yeah, on that form, yeah, I think he will be alright, yeah.”
United are next in action on Thursday when they face Sabah in their Champions League opener.
Featured image by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
