Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has publicly endorsed the potential acquisition of Carlos Baleba, describing the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder as a "fantastic" player who would represent a "top signing" for the Red Devils. This comes after United's failed attempt to secure the 22-year-old Cameroon international during the summer transfer window, with the club now reportedly reconsidering a move.
Summer Transfer Window Missed Opportunity
During the 2025 summer transfer period, Manchester United focused heavily on revamping their attacking options, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko for a combined fee approaching £200 million. However, the club also identified midfield reinforcements as a priority to suit then-manager Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation, with Baleba alongside Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson on their shortlist.
Brighton CEO Tony Bloom has since confirmed United's interest in Baleba, noting that the club "went away" when informed that only an "astronomical fee" would persuade the Seagulls to sell. Despite Amorim's subsequent departure, United's need for a midfielder of Baleba's profile persists, with names like Joao Gomes and Ruben Neves also circulating in January transfer rumours.
Schmeichel's Strong Endorsement
Speaking to Sky Bet, Schmeichel emphasised the critical importance of strengthening United's central midfield. "It really is important that Manchester United strengthen in that area," the legendary former goalkeeper stated. He pointed to recent improved performances from Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo as encouraging signs but stressed that additional quality is essential, particularly if the club qualifies for the Champions League and faces a more congested fixture schedule.
"Names are being mentioned now. I like Carlos Baleba," Schmeichel elaborated. "I thought he might come in the summer and I felt there was a real opportunity for that. He's a fantastic player. But if you can bring in anyone with the quality of those players, that's a positive step for Manchester United. And I hope that's exactly what they're looking at."
Baleba's Personal Reflections
Ahead of Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Baleba addressed the speculation surrounding his future, admitting that the transfer rumours may have led him to place "too much pressure" on himself at the start of the season. "I don't think it affected me. But I had a lot of pressure on me," he confessed. "When I started the season, I wanted to [have] the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard and to get [back] to my level. Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, but I think that's good."
Mainoo's Role and Carrick's Perspective
The future of Kobbie Mainoo, a product of United's academy, had been uncertain under Amorim, with rumours suggesting a potential winter exit. However, Amorim's dismissal and the interim appointment of Michael Carrick have revitalised Mainoo's prospects, with the 20-year-old starting United's last two matches against Brighton and Manchester City.
Despite Mainoo's resurgence, Carrick views him as "more of an attacker" rather than a holding midfielder, suggesting United's plans to bolster the defensive midfield position remain unaffected. "I think he's more of an attacker. I don't see him as a holding midfielder," Carrick commented on Rio Meets last summer. "He's probably that line above with that little bit more freedom... I think he's got a massive future."
Carrick praised Mainoo's abilities, noting, "It's a breath of fresh air the way he takes the ball and plays forward and commits people, can play, can dribble, can pass. That doesn't leave you and I think it's just waves that can come and go with time."
As the January transfer window progresses, Schmeichel's endorsement adds significant weight to the speculation linking Baleba with a move to Old Trafford, highlighting the ongoing strategic considerations at Manchester United as they aim to enhance their squad depth and quality.
