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Rooney explains how Baleba will influence Manchester United’s style of play
25th August, 2026 07:36 PM
Wayne Rooney has backed Carlos Baleba to become an important addition to Manchester United, insisting the Cameroon international can make a “massive” difference to the team.
Baleba completed a move from Brighton to Old Trafford in a transfer around £70 million (approximately Ksh12.34 billion). After Manchester United confirmed his signature on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the 22-year-old became United’s third midfield arrival of the summer, following Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Tielemans and Santos were both handed their United debuts on Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting in midfield during the disappointing 2-0 Premier League loss away to newly promoted Hull.
Rooney, United’s all-time leading goalscorer, believes Baleba possesses the qualities Michael Carrick’s side need in the middle of the pitch.
Athleticism and physicality
“I really like him (Baleba), I think he’s a really good signing,” United’s record scorer told the Stick to United with Wayne Rooney podcast.
“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality, and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.
“But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.
“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”
United were previously interested in Baleba last season, although Brighton were understood to have valued the midfielder at around £100 million.
His form subsequently dipped, with Baleba making just 23 Premier League starts and failing to find the net. His struggles prompted suggestions that he had “missing” during parts of the campaign.
Rooney, however, does not believe the midfielder deliberately disappeared from the spotlight.
“I don’t think he went missing. The chance doesn’t come around that often to play for Manchester United, so you don’t know what effect that has.
“There’s no denying his ability as a player. I think he is a top player.” He added.
United have made strengthening their midfield a major priority during the current transfer window. The club have already lost experienced midfielder Casemiro, while Manuel Ugarte is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury.
Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa and Santos joined from Chelsea last month, with the two midfielders costing United a combined £85 million.
Should Baleba complete his proposed transfer, United would have another physically strong and energetic option as they look to reshape their midfield and increase competition for places.
