Manchester United: Why Carlos Baleba has struggled ahead of Old Trafford 'transfer audition' today | OneFootball

Midfielder was reportedly on Manchester United’s radar in the summer transfer window

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba has been handed a warning as he prepares to face Manchester United.

Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Man Utd during the summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim sought to bolster his midfield options.

While reports stated Brighton were demanding more than £100m for the 21-year-old after rejecting an opening offer which included a player in exchange, the midfielder ultimately stayed put but has made an indifferent start to the season.

So much so that he was been substituted at half-time by manager Fabian Hurzeler in three games so far.

Baleba looked to be back to his best last week as the Seagulls beat Newcastle at home and Hurzeler has warned the midfielder he can only improve if he ignores the noises from outside.

"For me, it's always important that I'm very transparent with the players. I have a very good relationship with Carlos,” Hurzeler told Sky Sports.

“We speak regularly, we are in touch. I always share my thoughts about his development and my thoughts about his performance.

"It's important to be very clear about what you expect from players on the pitch, off the pitch. And it's important to build relationships where you can criticise or give personal feedback they might not be happy about, but they understand the intention behind it.

"Carlos won't get better if he only gets compliments and claps from outside. I think he will get better if he has a safe environment, but also honest feedback where he knows what he needs to improve.

“That's where we try to support him and make him better."

According to recent reports, Baleba is on Man United’s six-man midfield shortlist along with names such as Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

As a result, Saturday’s Premier League showdown between the Red Devils and Brighton is being billed as a ‘transfer audition’ for the Cameroon international.