Wayne Rooney Backs Carlos Baleba’s Move to Manchester United

Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Carlos Baleba’s looming move to Manchester United, insisting the Brighton midfielder will transform Erik ten Hag’s side and dismissing claims he “went missing” after his Old Trafford switch collapsed last season.

United are closing in on a deal worth up to £70 million for the 22-year-old, who is set to become their third midfield arrival of the summer after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Both new signings started on Saturday, but their debuts were swallowed up by a flat 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull that underlined just how much work remains in United’s engine room.

Rooney, speaking on the Stick to United with Wayne Rooney podcast on Disney+, made it clear he sees Baleba as a key piece of that rebuild.

“I really like him, I think he's a really good signing,” United’s all-time leading scorer said. “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.”

United’s midfield has been ripped up and hastily reassembled over the past few months. Casemiro, once the anchor, has gone. Manuel Ugarte, signed to bring bite and control, suffered a serious knee injury. Tielemans and Santos have arrived, Kobbie Mainoo is pushing hard, but the balance still looks fragile.

That is where Rooney believes Baleba can make the difference.

“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and Mainoo but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don't play well, you don't play,” he said.

Baleba’s name has hovered around Old Trafford for a while. United showed strong interest last season, only to be put off when Brighton reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on him. What followed on the south coast was an underwhelming campaign: just 23 Premier League starts, no goals, and a growing narrative that he had faded after missing out on a dream move.

Rooney is having none of that.

“I don't think he went missing,” he insisted. “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.”

United’s hierarchy clearly agree, returning for Baleba at a lower fee and betting that his blend of aggression, mobility and bravery on the ball will give Ten Hag the platform his side so obviously lacked at Hull.

The price is heavy, the scrutiny will be instant, and the midfield pecking order is about to get ruthless. For Baleba, the move that slipped away once is back on the table. Now it’s on him to prove Rooney right.