Carlos Baleba’s journey to Manchester United has been remarkable. Years ago, the Cameroon midfielder once withdrew from a Cameroon Cup last-16 tie because of a school exam; now, his biggest test is likely to arrive at Old Trafford, where he is expected to make his long-awaited United debut against Tottenham.


At 22, Baleba cannot reasonably be expected to solve every problem at Manchester United on his own. But after joining from Brighton for £70m, he arrives as the club’s most expensive summer signing and the player identified to strengthen a midfield position that Michael Carrick has struggled to stabilise since Casemiro’s departure in May.


Why United Need Baleba

Manchester United knew Baleba was carrying an ankle injury when they completed his signing from Brighton on August 25. The midfielder signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further year, but his debut was delayed while he completed his rehabilitation.


United’s early-season struggles have heightened the importance of his arrival. Carrick’s side sit 12th in the Premier League with just one win and five points from five matches, while Brighton came from 2-0 down to knock them out of the EFL Cup at Old Trafford.

The team have also been too easy to play through. United are one of only four Premier League clubs yet to keep a clean sheet and have conceded twice in four of their seven matches across all competitions. Until that defensive vulnerability is addressed, an improvement in results will be difficult.


What Baleba Can Add

Baleba’s most obvious quality is his speed. A United insider described his early impressions as “very quick”, noting that the Cameroon international covers ground exceptionally well.

That mobility could be crucial in a midfield where Andrey Santos offers similar athletic qualities, but Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans—paired together in the last four league matches, are stronger technically than physically. Baleba’s ability to screen passes, break up attacks and carry the ball through midfield could give United greater protection and a quicker route from defence to attack.

His preparation has been limited. He was named among the substitutes for the 1-1 draw at Fulham on September 20 after only a handful of training sessions, then featured in a behind-closed-doors game against Swiss side Lausanne-Sports on October 2 while many of United’s internationals were away.


That is a small sample from which to judge him, but his pace and energy should immediately improve United’s midfield balance if he is fit to start.


Settling Into Old Trafford

Baleba’s adaptation at Carrington appears to be progressing well. Sources say his early shyness and nerves are easing, while his English has improved considerably since he left Lille for Brighton in a £23.2m deal in 2023.


He has developed a friendship with Amad Diallo, with the two players sharing a similar African background and working through their respective recovery programmes at the same time. Amad even shared a social media video in which Baleba playfully mocked him after Cameroon defeated Ivory Coast in a friendly on October 3.


Baleba also has existing connections within the squad. He was a former Lille teammate of Leny Yoro and knows Bryan Mbeumo from international duty with Cameroon, while his light-hearted exchange with Patrick Dorgu after last season’s final game at the Amex suggested he is already comfortable around the United group.


The Pressure of a £70m Price Tag

United’s recruitment and data teams had tracked Baleba for around 12 months before completing the deal. After missing out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, and deciding other targets were unsuitable, they moved for Baleba shortly before their surprise opening-day defeat at Hull.

Brighton had reportedly quoted significantly more than £100m for the midfielder in August 2025, meaning United view £70m as reasonable value. Still, Baleba has yet to play a competitive minute for his new club, and early judgements on whether the transfer represents good business should wait until he has featured regularly.


The comparison with Mateus Fernandes is particularly relevant. Fernandes has made a disappointing start at Tottenham, showing how difficult it can be for a expensive young midfielder to adapt immediately in the Premier League.


Baleba’s Mindset and Motivation

Baleba’s personality should help him handle the pressure. He is naturally playful and determined, and he will hope to showcase his back-flip goal celebration if he scores—although United did not sign him primarily for his finishing.


His drive comes from a strong family influence. His father pushed him through demanding training sessions as a youngster, experiences Baleba has credited with helping him become a professional footballer.

He also fulfilled a promise to build his mother a house in Douala, although she tragically died a few months before he left Lille and never saw it completed. Baleba has said he remains motivated to succeed in her memory.


That resilience is reflected in his love of manga, particularly Fist of the North Star. Speaking about the series’ hero, Kenshiro, Baleba said: “When he started out, everyone beat him up, he got covered in scars, then he became strong. After that, he was the one beating everyone up. He never gave up. I like that attitude.”


The Tottenham Test

A potential head-to-head with Fernandes adds another layer to United’s meeting with bottom-of-the-table Tottenham. For either club, defeat could turn an underwhelming start into a genuine early-season crisis.


United then face three consecutive away fixtures: Champions League trips to Atletico Madrid and Como, either side of a Premier League visit to Leeds. Baleba’s fitness, form and ability to impose himself quickly could therefore shape United’s next month.

The key is not simply whether he can run. United need Baleba to reproduce the performances that made him one of the Premier League’s most exciting midfielders in 2024-25 and prompted talk of interest from Real Madrid, rather than the inconsistent displays that followed last season.