Wayne Rooney explains how Carlos Baleba will improve Man United | OneFootball

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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes his former club have struck gold with Carlos Baleba. The Cameroonian midfielder arrived at the Theatre of Dreams earlier this week from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal that reportedly cost the Red Devils around £70 million.

Baleba is a long-term target for INEOS and was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer as well. Fresh from an excellent 2024/25 campaign at the Amex, the 22 year old was in high demand.

United, however, balked at his exorbitant price tag, with the Seagulls reportedly looking to raise more than £115 million from his departure. While the player ended up staying at Brighton, the Red Devils kept him under close watch, perhaps with the intention of returning this summer.

Carlos Baleba Stats: 2025/26 Season

Unfortunately, Baleba failed to live up to the high expectations in the 2025/26 campaign, but that hardly deterred United. In the end, perhaps that dip in form also enabled INEOS to secure the Cameroonian for a relatively reduced fee.

United focused in midfield this summer

United have altered their transfer strategy under INEOS, preferring to rebuild a section of the squad every year. The Red Devils focused most on the backline in the summer of 2024, and on the attacking and goalkeeping departments last year.

Following Casemiro’s departure this summer, the midfield was earmarked as a priority. Keeping in line with their strategy of targeting Premier League-proven players, United subsequently signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

However, the midfield still lacked steel and drive, as was also evident against Hull City. A third midfield signing was always expected, especially after the Red Devils opted against a move for Atalanta’s Ederson at the eleventh hour.

INEOS ultimately decided to rekindle their interest in Baleba to address the issue and Rooney has now explained why it could turn out to be a fantastic move.

Baleba will improve United

Speaking on Stick to United with Wayne Rooney, Wazza argued that Baleba’s arrival will help United hit a higher gear. He said: “I really like him, I think he’s a really good signing.”

“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever. But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need.”

“He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively. It will be interesting with (Youri) Tielemans, (Andrey) Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo, but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”

Final Thoughts

Baleba’s aggressive ball-winning, work ethic and speed make him a superb addition to Michael Carrick’s squad. United fans, however, may have to wait until mid-September to catch a glimpse of their new No. 20, as he is nursing an ankle injury.