Why Carlos Baleba isn’t the DM Manchester United need
Carlos Baleba is an impressive young midfielder with a skill set that immediately catches the eye.
He is powerful, mobile, aggressive in the press and fearless in duels. On the surface, those qualities make him an attractive option for a Manchester United side that has often looked second-best physically in midfield. But when you move beyond energy and athleticism, the profile starts to clash with what United actually need.
The biggest issue is control. Manchester United don’t lack legs in midfield; they lack a player who can slow the game down when chaos takes over.
Baleba is not a natural game controller. His instincts push him towards the ball, the press, and the duel rather than towards structure and rhythm. He excels in moments of disruption, but United require someone who can restore order.
Baleba is far more of a ball-winner than a deep-lying organiser. He hunts the ball aggressively and covers ground well, but that often comes at the cost of positional discipline. A top-level defensive midfielder must understand when not to engage — when to hold space, block passing lanes, and protect the defence. Baleba is still learning that balance, and at Manchester United, those mistakes are punished ruthlessly.
On the ball, the limitations are clearer. While he is capable of progressive carries and simple passes, his decision-making under pressure remains inconsistent. United’s defensive midfielder must be comfortable receiving the ball with their back to play, scanning constantly, and dictating tempo with one or two touches. Baleba can do this in spells, but not with the reliability required to control elite matches.
Tactically, he is still raw.
His positioning can be erratic, particularly during defensive transitions. That lack of discipline is exactly what has plagued United’s midfield in recent seasons. Adding another player who thrives in chaos risks amplifying the problem rather than fixing it.
There is also the question of leadership. The role United need filled demands authority, composure, and communication. This is the player who sets the rhythm, calms the team after turnovers, and organises those around him. Baleba, at this stage of his career, is focused on development rather than command. That’s not a flaw — it’s a reality.
None of this is to say Baleba lacks quality. He has the tools to become an excellent midfielder, particularly in a system that values intensity and verticality. But Manchester United are not in a position to gamble on potential in such a critical role. They need certainty.
In the end, this comes down to fit, not talent. Carlos Baleba represents promise and physical dominance. Manchester United need control, intelligence, and calm at the base of midfield. Until those needs are met, Baleba remains a good player — but the wrong profile.
