Wayne Rooney backs Brighton’s Carlos Baleba for Manchester United move

Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, believing the Cameroon international could provide the physical presence and energy the club currently lacks in midfield.

The former United captain wants the deal completed before the summer transfer window closes, particularly after Michael Carrick’s side made a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign.

United opened the season with a 2-0 defeat by newly promoted Hull City, producing a poor performance that drew criticism from analysts and frustrated supporters.

Rooney was speaking in support of Baleba, rejecting suggestions that the 22-year-old’s form had declined or that he had “disappeared” after a proposed move to Old Trafford failed to materialise last season.

Baleba is expected to join Manchester United from Brighton in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £70m. If completed, the transfer would make him the club’s third midfield addition of the summer, following Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

Tielemans and Santos made their United debuts on Saturday, both starting in the defeat by Hull City.

“I like him a lot and I think he would be a very good signing,” Rooney said on the Stick to United with Wayne Rooney podcast.

“We need another midfielder who has a bit of physicality, even if he is not necessarily tall.”

Rooney added: “He covers the ground really well, he is aggressive, he wins the ball back and those are the qualities we need. He is a very good player and he would improve the team a lot.”

The former England forward also discussed the competition for places that would be created if Baleba joined Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo in United’s midfield.

“It would be interesting, but that is how it should be – competition for places. If you do not play well, you do not play,” Rooney said.

Manchester United showed interest in Baleba last season, although Brighton were reportedly seeking £100m before agreeing to sell the player.

The midfielder subsequently endured an underwhelming campaign. He started only 23 Premier League matches and did not score, prompting speculation that his influence at Brighton had diminished.

Rooney, however, insisted the setbacks surrounding the failed transfer did not demonstrate a lack of ability.

“I do not think he disappeared. The opportunity to play for Manchester United does not come around very often, and you do not know what impact not taking that opportunity can have. There is no doubt about his ability, and I see him as a top-class player,” he said.

United have made strengthening midfield a priority during the summer transfer window after Casemiro’s departure and a serious knee injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte.

Tielemans and Santos arrived last month from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively in deals costing a combined £85m. Both were handed starting roles against Hull City, but United’s performance intensified calls for further additions before the window closes.