Rio Ferdinand, the former TNT Sports pundit, has highlighted a Premier League midfielder he believes could have a big impact at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.
United are reportedly in the market for both a striker and a midfielder following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon.
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The club’s ability to spend is restricted, and several first-team players will need to be moved on before any new additions can be made.
Ruben Amorim took over most of his current squad when he joined from Sporting CP in 2024, succeeding Erik ten Hag.
But he has started to shape the team in his image, with Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven both joining during the January window.
The midfield options remain thin at Old Trafford, especially after Christian Eriksen’s departure this summer further reduced their depth.
Rio Ferdinand explains what Carlos Baleba could bring to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United
Ruben Amorim is reportedly looking to add a defensive-minded midfielder to Manchester United’s squad this summer.
The Red Devils have already been linked with moves for Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand and Atalanta’s Ederson, while other targets may also emerge as the window continues.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand said that Brighton defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba fits the profile of what Amorim wants in a player.
“Would I be happy with Manchester United going into the season as we are now? No,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“I want one more, I’m being greedy. I want a striker and if I don’t get a striker, I’d go midfield. You’re probably thinking, ‘Who would you go and get?,’ and there’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, who I think fits the bill for what we need.”
“That’s who I would go and get; that’s the one I would go and get. I’d go and break the bank.”
Rio Ferdinand breaks down Carlos Baleba and what the Brighton player could offer Man Utd and Ruben Amorim
Carlos Baleba joined Brighton from Lille back in 2023, with the Seagulls paying £23.2m for the Cameroon midfielder.
The 21-year-old moved to the south coast to fill the gap left by Moises Caicedo after his big-money switch to Chelsea.
Baleba has steadily grown into his role at Brighton, bringing energy and composure in possession that has made him a key figure in their midfield setup.
Ferdinand believes Baleba’s presence would be felt immediately at Old Trafford, noting his ability to cover ground and link play between defence and attack.
“If I got the money for the four players [Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Jadon Sancho] that are surplus to requirements now, would I go and get a number nine or would I go and get Baleba?
“Would I get a number nine I’m not sure about, who is a bit young, inexperienced, or would I get Baleba who has Premier League experience? I’m going [for] Baleba.
“That’s who I’d get, I think he would have a huge impact on this squad and on this team.
“It would ease up a few people in that midfield as well because they would have a little less responsibility defensively because he’s all-action. He can do it all.”
The Cameroon international already has 77 appearances for Brighton since making the move to England. His current deal runs until 2028 so it won’t be easy – or cheap – for United if they decide to pursue him.
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