€75.90 million. That is what Manchester United paid this summer for Carlos Baleba. On Saturday against Tottenham (1-1), the Cameroonian midfielder showed why. On in the 59th minute for Youri Tielemans, he changed the face of United’s midfield.
Gary Neville did not hold back. The former Red Devils defender says he has « seen enough » of the Tielemans-Kobbie Mainoo partnership, which he considers lacking the dynamism required at a club of this stature. And he concluded, in comments relayed by Afrik-Foot: « When Carlos Baleba came on alongside Mainoo, there was a lot more energy. » Put simply, the pundit is calling for change in midfield.
A start in Madrid?
Impact, running, vertical drive: Baleba brought what was missing. He even came close to sending Bryan Mbeumo through for a second goal. Two Indomitable Lions among the most expensive African transfers in history, and a team that still cannot win.
With just one win in six games, Michael Carrick no longer really has the luxury of waiting. On Tuesday, United travel to Atlético Madrid. The question of Baleba starting will come up, and quickly.