Carlos Baleba said he is attracted to the prospect of learning from Michael Carrick after his £70m transfer from Brighton to Manchester United was confirmed.
United confirmed the signing of Baleba from Brighton on Tuesday afternoon, with the player joining in a deal said to be worth £65m up front, with £5m in add-ons. He has signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months.
He underwent a medical on Saturday as his new team-mates were beaten 2-0 away at Hull City in the first match of their Premier League campaign.
Midfield overhaul
The Red Devils have admired Baleba for some time, trying and failing to sign him last summer. It is an important signing for the club, with this latest deal completing a midfield overhaul which has already seen Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans join the club this summer.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on his new deal, Baleba said Carrick's appointment as manager tempted him to move up north.
"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," he told the club's website. "I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick. His experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level."
Debut hopes
"The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together."
Baleba, who did not feature in the matchday squad as Brighton trounced Aston Villa on Sunday, will hope to make his United debut this Saturday as they host Ipswich Town.
"We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League," said United's director of football Jason Wilcox of Baleba.
"Carlos' determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions."
