Carlos Baleba's Instagram activity during Man Utd vs Fiorentina spotted amid respected journalist's transfer update

Eagle-eye Manchester United fans spotted Carlos Baleba’s Instagram activity during their 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on Saturday.

United rounded off pre-season with a stalemate with the Italian side, before securing a penalty shoot-out triumph at Old Trafford.

Simon Sohm had put the Serie A outfit ahead early on before a Robin Gosens own goal midway through the first half drew United level.

The game marked David De Gea’s return to Old Trafford since he left the Premier League side in 2023.

Baleba's social activity excites United fans

However, while fans will have been watching the game, many also spotted Baleba’s Instagram activity.

The Brighton star is reportedly on United’s radar as the club look to bring in another midfielder before the transfer deadline next month.

And a post by United centre-back Leny Yoro, which read “Back home”, was liked by Baleba, which has heightened speculation surrounding a possible move to Old Trafford.

That said, United journalist and expert Andy Mitten has delivered a more reserved transfer update on the 21-year-old.

“I don't think that Baleba is an absolute guarantee purely for financial reasons. I think if you say now to United, do you want him? 'Yeah', and if you said to the player, do you want to join Man United? You would absolutely get a yes,” Mitten is quoted as saying on the transfer talk regarding the midfielder by United fan account @UTDDistrict.

“You say to Brighton, you're going to give a player away for a nice cut-price deal... that is not happening, so compromise will be needed.

“Maybe some of Manchester United's players are attractive to Brighton, for example. With the players Manchester United are trying to move on, they'll likely to have to take a wage cut like Marcus Rashford did as well.

“And the agents as well, they'll have to take less than maybe they would have hoped for but this will all be trading we'll see in the next few weeks.”

🎙️ | @AndyMitten's full quote on Carlos Baleba and #mufc:

"I don't think that Baleba is an absolute guarantee purely for financial reasons. I think if you say now to United, do you want him? 'Yeah', and if you said to the player, do you want to join Man United? You would… pic.twitter.com/JjKexJFCyw

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) August 9, 2025

United have been active in the market already this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford, respectively.

Sesko in, Hojlund out?

In addition, the Premier League powerhouse are close to securing the services of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, United beating Newcastle the signing of the 22-year-old striker.

In terms of outgoings, Marcus Rashford has already left the club, departing for La Liga giants Barcelona on loan, while Rasmus Hojlund is another set to exit this summer.

The Dane struggled with expectations following his arrival from Atalanta two years ago, with a loan move to AC Milan on the cards.

United get their season underway next weekend when they welcome rivals Arsenal to Old Trafford for the August fixture between the pair in Manchester since the famous 8-2 win in 2011.