Manchester United manager Michael Carrick remained tight-lipped when asked about the club's interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but acknowledged the recruitment team are working to improve the squad before the transfer deadline.
United have reignited their interest in the Cameroon international this summer, submitting a bid worth around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons. Baleba is understood to be keen on joining the club, though some work remains to finalise a deal with Brighton.
Growing expectation of deal
There is a growing expectation that Baleba will become United's third midfield signing of the window, despite his form dipping last season. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler suggested transfer speculation had affected the player, but United's recruitment team have not been deterred by his 2025/26 displays.
Speaking at Carrington on Thursday afternoon, Carrick was asked about the Baleba negotiations and whether a left-back signing was possible before the September 1 deadline.
"I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad," he said. "We're certainly working towards that, making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward."
Injury setback
Baleba recently suffered an ankle injury, which is not thought to be serious but is expected to keep him sidelined for a few more weeks, meaning he would not be immediately available to play for United if a deal is completed.
United's opening-day opponents, Hull City, have been active in the transfer window following their promotion to the Premier League, signing 11 players in an attempt to secure their top-flight status.
"Well, that's the beauty of the new season, you know," Carrick said of Hull's revamped squad. "I think certainly for teams coming up in the league, for the most part, there tends to be quite a few changes within the group, the playing group. So it's always the challenge when you're playing against them."
Title aspirations
Carrick did not rule out a Premier League title challenge this season. "It's going to be a jump. I mean, whatever I say doesn't really matter, you know, whether I say we can or we can't," he said. "Oh, I would never say we can't, by the way, I don't believe that."
"I think the run of form that we had last season gives us a lot of confidence, but then we know there's a whole new step to make as a group. We're pushing to do that. You know, it's exciting."
"I think we've got the potential to achieve things and we're definitely giving everything that we can. And we've got to believe that we're a good team and we can do good things."
