Peter Schmeichel believes Manchester United should have signed Carlos Baleba last summer. He asserted that they need to strengthen their midfield, especially if they get into the UEFA Champions League next season.
The Red Devils signed the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer, but not a senior midfielder. They were linked with the likes of Baleba and Adam Wharton, among others, but didn’t sign them. They have now been linked with the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Gomes for a potential January transfer.
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Amidst these links, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel opened up about their need to strengthen their midfield. He referenced their 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City last weekend and told Sky Bet (h/t Metro):
“It really is important that Manchester United strengthen in that area. What we saw on Saturday was really encouraging. Casemiro was better than he’s been in a long time, because the responsibility in that part of the pitch was shared between him and Kobbie Mainoo. The understanding between them was much better – and it helps that they’re both very good footballers. It worked brilliantly for the team, and it was great to see.”
“But it’s still an area you need to improve. Because if we do get into the Champions League, you’re adding at least another ten games to the schedule. That means you need more players – and you need more quality players.”
The five-time Premier League winner added about Carlos Baleba:
“Names are being mentioned now. I like Carlos Baleba. I thought he might come in the summer and I felt there was a real opportunity for that. He’s a fantastic player. But if you can bring in anyone with the quality of those players, that’s a positive step for Manchester United. And I hope that’s exactly what they’re looking at.”
Baleba’s contract with Brighton & Hove Albion is set to expire in 2028.
Brighton chairman opened up about Manchester United’s interest in Carlos Baleba last summer
In October 2025, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom spoke about Manchester United’s attempts to sign Carlos Baleba last summer. He said that the Red Devils were interested, but the Seagulls made it clear that the Cameroonian midfielder wasn’t for sale.
Bloom said (h/t Metro):
“I don’t think Baleba was a saga. There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn’t available this summer and they went away. So we’ve had many bigger sagas in the past.”
Hailing the 22-year-old’s importance at the club, Bloom added:
“His improvement has been immense. He’s a massively important player to this football club and we’re just delighted that he’s with us for this season.”
Brighton signed Baleba from Lille in 2023, and he’s made 97 appearances for them and also contributed four goals and two assists.
Edited by Aditya Singh
