Bryan Mbeumo is quietly trying to convince Carlos Baleba to join Manchester United in January | OneFootball

Manchester United attacker Bryan Mbeumo has been trying to encourage Carlos Baleba to push for a move in the January window, according to the Sun.

The Red Devils were linked with the 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder during the summer transfer window but did not make any concrete move as the Seagulls were not keen on selling.

Baleba has had his head turned by the interest from Man United, which appears to have resulted in his dip in form and inconsistent performances so far this term.

He has become closer to Mbeumo while on international duty during Cameroon’s African World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Man United summer signing has been using the recent international breaks as an opportunity to try and quietly convince Baleba to join him at the Old Trafford club.

Mbeumo has been telling the Brighton star and others how delighted he is to have joined the Red Devils, and he hopes Baleba will push for a move.

However, Brighton are unlikely to sanction a January transfer exit, with a summer deal more likely.

Man United have been crying out for a defensive midfielder in the mould of the Cameroonian given their struggles in the middle of the park so far in 2025-26.

They bolstered their attack with the additions of Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in the summer, spending over £200m.

However, their fortunes on the pitch have not changed and head coach Ruben Amorim believes a tough-tackling midfielder is the missing piece needed to complete the puzzle.

Landing Baleba could be the game-changer for Man United but he needs to bounce back from the bad patch and show what he is capable of doing again.

The Red Devils host Brighton next Saturday and the youngster has a chance to prove himself in front of the board and fans.