Manchester United have completed the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal worth £70million, according to Standard Sport. The 22-year-old becomes the fourth summer arrival for Michael Carrick's side, following Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow, and the third midfielder through the doors at Old Trafford.
Carrick's midfield overhaul
Carrick is overhauling his options in the middle of the park, and Baleba's arrival adds to an already crowded midfield department. The Cameroonian international is currently managing an ankle injury and is not expected to be fit until the end of September.
With Kobbie Mainoo, Tielemans and Santos already vying for minutes, Carrick will be spoilt for choice once Baleba returns to full fitness. The expectation is that Baleba would start alongside the experienced Tielemans in the double pivot behind Bruno Fernandes.
Mount's role in question
Mason Mount's place in the team is less clear after an impressive pre-season in which he struck up a productive relationship with Santos. However, injuries appear to have stalled his progress again, and he missed the defeat to Hull last weekend.
Mainoo, who looked set for a fresh start under Carrick, now faces yet more competition from Baleba's arrival, and it is unclear if his future lies at United. Santos would likely provide cover for Baleba, with Mainoo viewed as a more dynamic option to Tielemans in the No8 position, capable of impacting games late on.
Injury concerns and defensive cover
Manuel Ugarte is expected to be out for an extended period following knee surgery. Upon his return, the Uruguayan would provide cover for Baleba as the more defensively minded midfielder in the pivot.
United began their Premier League campaign with a loss to Hull City but welcome Ipswich to Old Trafford in their first home game of the new season on Sunday.
Manchester United predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Martinez, De Ligt, Shaw; Tielemans, Baleba; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
