🚨🎙️ Michael Carrick Praises Baleba’s Impact: “His Athleticism Is What Man United Need — Even Legends Agree He’s the Key Target” 🔴👀

Manchester United’s transfer window has been filled with speculation, frustration, and growing urgency. With Ruben Amorim keen on restructuring his squad and building a more dynamic midfield, one name has started to dominate the conversation: Carlos Baleba. After yet another eye-catching performance, this time against Fulham, former United star and club legend Michael Carrick publicly highlighted the qualities that make Baleba stand out — and why the Cameroonian midfielder could be the missing piece in United’s puzzle.

Carrick, who knows a thing or two about midfield dominance from his playing days at Old Trafford, did not mince words when asked about Baleba. He acknowledged Casemiro’s professionalism and impact against Arsenal but made a striking observation: “Did you see Baleba vs Fulham? Casemiro deserves credit for his solid game vs Arsenal. But it shows why Baleba is vital. He brings the athleticism and legs. Swap them today and Arsenal wouldn’t have survived United’s press.”

This statement not only reflects the growing admiration for Baleba among pundits and fans but also underlines a consensus forming within Old Trafford itself — United legends, coaches, and decision-makers all appear to be aligned in believing that Baleba represents the future of Manchester United’s midfield.

⚽ Why Baleba Stands Out

At just 20 years old, Carlos Baleba has already carved a reputation in Ligue 1 as a midfield engine. Playing for Lille, the Cameroonian-born talent combines strength, pace, and intelligence in ways reminiscent of some of the Premier League’s finest box-to-box players.

Physical dominance: Standing at 1.79m with incredible power and agility, Baleba covers ground quickly and is relentless in pressing opponents.
Ball-carrying ability: He has shown the confidence to progress play by driving through midfield lines, a trait United currently lack outside of Bruno Fernandes.
Defensive contribution: Unlike many young midfielders, Baleba enjoys the defensive side of the game — breaking up play, pressing, and regaining possession.
Untapped potential: He has played fewer than 50 senior games, but already scouts across Europe consider him one of the most promising midfielders of his generation.

This unique profile explains why Carrick and other Manchester United legends are pushing the narrative that Baleba should be a top transfer priority.

🔴 United’s Midfield Problems

Manchester United’s midfield has been a persistent concern over the past few seasons. Casemiro, signed from Real Madrid for £60m in 2022, brought much-needed experience, but his performances have been inconsistent. At times he has looked world-class, but against high-energy opponents, his lack of pace and declining mobility are exposed.

Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay offer different qualities, but neither fully solves the issue of midfield dynamism. Mason Mount has struggled to adapt, and while Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation, the 19-year-old cannot carry the entire weight of United’s midfield long-term.

This is where Baleba enters the conversation. He represents a solution to the athleticism gap United have been dealing with. Legends like Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and even Carrick himself know that United’s DNA is built on energy, aggression, and control in the middle of the park. Baleba embodies all three.

🎙️ Carrick’s Comments Carry Weight

Michael Carrick is not just another pundit. As one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his era, his opinion holds significance among the United faithful. Since retiring, Carrick has also developed his managerial career, currently making waves at Middlesbrough. His tactical understanding makes his analysis sharper than most.

By specifically highlighting Baleba’s athleticism, Carrick put his finger on United’s most glaring weakness. He suggested that, had Baleba been in the team against Arsenal, United’s pressing game would have been more effective and the Gunners’ buildup play disrupted. This is a direct critique of the current setup, where aging players lack the energy to sustain Amorim’s pressing philosophy.

The fact that Carrick is publicly advocating for Baleba adds pressure on United’s board. Fans tend to rally behind legends, and when icons like Carrick, Keane, and Scholes all agree on a transfer target, it becomes difficult for the club hierarchy to ignore.

🏟️ The Bigger Picture: Amorim’s Vision

Ruben Amorim, newly appointed as Manchester United’s manager, has made no secret of his tactical preferences. His philosophy is built on intensity, vertical transitions, and a high press — very similar to what he executed at Sporting Lisbon. For this style to succeed, the midfield must be packed with energy and endurance.

Baleba fits perfectly into this blueprint. Amorim’s teams rely on midfielders who can press aggressively, cover large distances, and recycle possession with confidence. Amorim knows Casemiro cannot be the long-term anchor for his system, and Eriksen is not built for high-tempo football. That leaves Mainoo as the only truly reliable option — hence the urgent need for reinforcements.

With Amorim’s backing, Baleba’s signing would not be just another transfer. It would represent a structural shift toward a faster, younger, and more dynamic Manchester United.

📰 The Legends Are United in Their Praise

Michael Carrick is not alone in his admiration. Reports from insiders suggest that other Manchester United legends have also been keeping an eye on Baleba.

Paul Scholes: Believes Baleba has the energy United’s midfield has been missing since the days of Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park.
Roy Keane: While critical of United’s recruitment, Keane reportedly admires Baleba’s “no-nonsense” style and physicality.
Gary Neville: Highlighted Baleba’s versatility and potential to thrive under Premier League intensity.

When former players — especially those with midfield pedigree — line up in support of a potential signing, it signals that the player in question has characteristics aligned with United’s traditions.

💰 The Financial Angle

Baleba’s current valuation is around €50–60 million, according to transfer market sources. While this is not cheap, it is significantly lower than other targets like João Neves (Benfica, €100m release clause) or Manuel Ugarte (PSG, €70m).

For a club like United, which is undergoing a rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS ownership, Baleba represents value for money. He is young, proven at a competitive level, and has resale potential if things don’t work out. This makes him an ideal acquisition in both footballing and financial terms.

⚡ What This Means for United’s Future

If United pursue and secure Baleba, it would mark a turning point in the club’s transfer strategy. Instead of chasing marquee signings for inflated fees, they would be investing in a profile that directly addresses tactical needs.

Baleba could:

Partner Mainoo in a youthful, dynamic midfield.
Rotate with Casemiro, gradually phasing out the veteran’s minutes.
Provide Amorim with the energy base needed to implement his pressing system.

Most importantly, Baleba’s arrival would symbolize a shift toward building for the future rather than patching problems with short-term fixes.

✅ Conclusion

Michael Carrick’s comments about Carlos Baleba have reignited the debate around Manchester United’s midfield. While Casemiro deserves respect for his experience, the truth is that United need legs, dynamism, and raw energy in the middle of the pitch. Baleba offers all of that — and more.

With Ruben Amorim in charge and legends backing the move, the writing seems to be on the wall. If Manchester United are serious about returning to the top, Carlos Baleba must be more than just a name on a shortlist — he has to become the next key signing at Old Trafford.

The message from Carrick and the legends is clear: Baleba is the future. The question is — will United act before it’s too late?