Carlos Baleba Faces Manchester United 'Exam' Amidst Club Struggles
The £70 million signing is expected to debut against Tottenham Hotspur, with his performance crucial for a struggling Manchester United side.
Carlos Baleba, Manchester United's most expensive summer signing at £70 million, is poised to make his debut for the club against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old midfielder is seen as a key player for the holding role, a position that has been difficult to fill effectively since Casemiro's departure in May.
United acquired Baleba from Brighton on August 25, aware of an existing ankle injury. The club may have to wait until after the international break for his full debut. However, the team's current standing—12th in the Premier League with only one win and five points from their opening five games—amplifies the urgency for his contribution. This situation is further complicated by Brighton's recent comeback victory over United in the EFL Cup.
The pressure is significant for both Baleba and his new club as they prepare to host bottom-placed Tottenham, followed by three consecutive away matches. These fixtures include Champions League encounters against Atletico Madrid and Como, interspersed with a domestic game against Leeds.
Sources indicate that Baleba, while initially shy and a non-native English speaker, has shown significant improvement in his communication and confidence since his move from Lille to Brighton in 2023. He has reportedly formed a bond with fellow African player Amad Diallo, who is also undergoing recovery. Their shared background has been a source of mutual support.
Baleba's personality is described as naturally jovial, and he is known for his determination, a trait instilled by his father through rigorous training. He has already fulfilled a promise to his mother to build her a house in Douala, a motivation that continues to drive him following her passing.
His playing style at his best is what United is hoping for, reminiscent of his standout 2024-25 campaign that attracted interest from clubs like Real Madrid. Brighton sources have dismissed suggestions that late summer interest from Manchester United in 2025 affected his form. The club's data and recruitment teams had identified Baleba a year prior, and after missing out on other targets, they pursued him, completing the deal shortly after their opening-day defeat to Hull. Given that Baleba was reportedly quoted at over £100 million in August 2025, United considers the £70 million fee a sound investment.
However, as demonstrated by the early struggles of other new signings, such as Tottenham's Mateus Fernandes, any assessment of a transfer's value must await on-field performance. The upcoming match against Tottenham, and potentially Fernandes himself, will provide an early test of Baleba's readiness and impact.
Beyond football, Baleba finds inspiration in the manga series 'Fist of the North Star,' identifying with the protagonist's journey of overcoming adversity and perseverance. This resilient attitude is expected to be a key factor as he embarks on his Manchester United career.