Man Utd to Target 'Sensational' Player in January as He's 'Unsettled' by Rumours

Manchester United equipped head coach Ruben Amorim with a wealth of new attacking talent in the transfer window but question marks remain over their defence and midfield.

United finished a few places above the Premier League relegation zone last season and missed out on a last-ditch salvation in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Before what they hope will be Amorim's first full season in charge, United made some big signings to strengthen his hand.

But while Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko certainly have the potential to revolutionise the Red Devils' attack, many fans believe they are being held back by other weaknesses that haven't been addressed.

In some cases it wasn't for the want of trying. United targeted Brighton & Hove Albion defensive midfield player Carlos Baleba in the transfer window but weren't able to get a deal done.

Benjamin Sesko (Image: Getty)

It appears the outcome has been unsatisfactory for all parties. United didn't get their man, Baleba didn't get his move and Brighton, reportedly, have an unsettled player on their hands.

According to reporting by Football Insider, the Cameroon midfielder wanted the Old Trafford switch and could yet get his wish.

"Manchester United are still interested in completing a deal for Carlos Baleba," reports Football Insider.

"Sources say that Ruben Amorim’s side are likely to go back in for the 21-year-old in January, and that speculation will increase again in the new year.

"Brighton value Baleba at over £100m, and it is unlikely that Man United would part with that amount of money to get a deal over the line.

Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton (Image: Getty)

"Despite this, the speculation is playing into the Red Devils’ hands, with the Cameroon international suffering a poor start to the season amid claims that his head has been turned."

That's a punchy asking price to say the least, but Baleba's growing reputation as a 'sensational' talent is bolstered by the admiration of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Baleba's distracted start?

Brighton have made an inconsistent start to the season, winning one and drawing two of their first five Premier League matches with each result different than the one before it.

Baleba's contribution as a £100m-rated player has left a lot to be desired and he's yet to play 70 minutes or more in any single game in either the league or the League Cup.

The 21-year-old, who joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and has been capped eight times by Cameroon, has failed thus far to match his 2024-25 performance levels in the first seven games of this season.