Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has endorsed Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as the ideal summer signing for new manager Ruben Amorim, urging the club to break the bank to land the 21-year-old talent.
With Manchester United’s summer rebuild in full swing, the Red Devils have already welcomed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Diego Leon to Old Trafford. However, Amorim remains keen on adding a defensive midfielder and a proven striker to his squad before the season kicks off.
The recent departure of Christian Eriksen has left a gap in midfield, intensifying the need for reinforcements. Though the club has been linked with Atalanta’s Ederson and Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, Ferdinand believes Carlos Baleba is the standout option.
Speaking on his YouTube channel “Rio Ferdinand Presents”, the former United captain explained why Baleba fits perfectly into Amorim’s system.
“Would I be happy with Manchester United going into the season as we are now? No,” Ferdinand admitted. “I want one more, I’m being greedy. I want a striker, and if I don’t get a striker, I’d go midfield.”
Ferdinand then singled out the Brighton youngster: “There’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’m going to be honest, guys, Baleba. He’s an Amorim-type player. Physically, he’s great. He can drive with the ball, take it in all areas, is very good tactically, has great energy, great legs, and has Premier League experience.”
Baleba joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 and quickly impressed with his dynamism, ball control, and tactical intelligence, traits that align with Amorim’s high-tempo style of play.
“That’s who I would go and get,” Ferdinand added. “I’d go and break the bank.”
With United under pressure to stay within financial constraints, a move for Baleba would require offloading fringe players. But Ferdinand’s strong endorsement may just nudge the club to prioritise the Cameroonian before rival clubs enter the race.
