This is an interesting move by United.

On one side, it makes perfect sense. They tried to sign Baleba 12 months ago, so are fully aware of his abilities.

He is the kind of box-to-box player United do not have in their midfield despite the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans.

Baleba wants to make the move and the fee, whatever it ends up as, will be much less than the £100m they were quoted previously.

However, the reason the fee has gone down is the underwhelming form he showed for Brighton last season.

Thirty-one starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League in 2024-25 became 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025-26, highlighting a dip in form and value to Fabian Hurzeler in a campaign when Brighton secured European football for only the second time in their history.

There was a belief Baleba's head had been turned by United's interest, but Brighton sources last season said they didn't think that was right.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Old Trafford chiefs have made their move.

Carrick must hope he gets the 2024-25 version.

United have prioritised players of a certain ilk to begin the window. Both Andres Santos and Youri Tielemans resemble Kobbie Mainoo in being technical midfielders that thrive in small spaces, able to rotate and connect well under pressure. This is a deliberate choice with Michael Carrick perhaps taking inspiration from PSG's midfield trio who he has referred to as playing "exactly the kind of football I enjoy".

The introduction of Baleba takes a different approach in looking to address traits the United squad lacks.

With the aforementioned players good on the ball under pressure, they are able to draw opponents onto them before finding teammates higher up the pitch in space. Baleba's ability to carry the ball over large distances makes him a good player to take advantage of these situations.

Defensively, his athleticism allows him to cover for the relative lack of physicality in his potential midfield partners at United who suit playing in small spaces. By tracking back with speed, he provides protection against counter-attacks.

More importantly, his ability to read and jump up to press opponents high has often helped his sides win the ball back close to the opposition's box – resulting in goals. This suits the high-press Carrick has used in pre-season.

If United are pushed deep whilst defending, his defensive intensity, in the form of tackling and closing down, would also help United replace the qualities lost following Casemiro's departure.