Matheus Cunha and Rodri van Manchester City are great admirers of Brighton -midfielder Carlos Baleba, who Rio Ferdinand wants Manchester United to sign about striker Benjamin Sesko
Matheus Cunha believes that a midfielder Manchester United has been encouraged to sign, the Ballon d'Or can win. Rio Ferdinand has advised United to leave their endeavors to Benjamin Sexo and instead go all the way for Carlos Baleba of Brighton.
The Red Devils have already strengthened their attack this summer with the acquisitions of Cunha van Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee who like to leave their mark at Old Trafford after a challenge of the starts, Ferdinand thinks Ruben Amorim manager is well filled with ahead and should focus on strengthening his midfield.
If United has heard Ferdinand's advice and hunting for a midfielder, he has one name in mind -21 -year -old sensation Baleba, who has been turning heads in Brighton since his transfer of Lille in 2023.
Baleba herself has elevated ambitions, fed by encouraging Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and others, including Cunha. He revealed his ambitions to the sun in May and said: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they all told me that I have it in me. I want to win the balloon d'Or as Rodri.”
At his admiration for Rodri he said: “I watched him [Rodri] During the euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he stood right in front of me. It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult.
“He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class. His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe that we can win the Ballon d'Or.”
Ferdinand revealed why he manages Baleba so high on his YouTube channel and said: “If I don't get a striker, I would go in midfield. There is only one name that I think about, I have to be honest, who I think the bill fits for what we need.
“A player of the Amorim type too. Physically amazing, can ride the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactical, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, Center of midfield.
“That's who I'm going to get. That's my husband. That's the one I am going to get. I'm going to break the bank. So if I get the money for the four players who are now about the requirements, I would get a number nine or would I get Baleba?
“Would I get a number nine, I am not sure, who is a bit young, inexperienced, or would I get Baleba with Premier League experience and know what he can do here? I go Baleba, sorry.
“I am going to go with Baleba. I think he will have a huge impact on this team, in this team. You also freed a few people in that midfield area to have a little less responsibility, because I think he is all-action. He can do it all.”
The Red Devils have aroused their focus on Sesko after he had determined that he represented a more feasible target than Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. Newcastle also strives for the Slovenian attacker, with mixed reports that pop up with regard to the preferred destination of the 22-year-old.
It was initially assumed that the Red Devils were the favorite choice of Sesko. However, reports from his home country now indicate that he is more inclined to move to Newcastle, which has rejected an offer of £ 110 million from Liverpool for Alexander Isak.