United, who have already spent on the likes of Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesco and have more financial muscle in the next two periods than in the summer, could still come back to sign promising talent.
And Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler admitted rumors about Baleva’s future were an unwanted distraction, and his rating could fall further after a disappointing start to the season.
However, Brighton appeared to brush it off after appearing in the win over Newcastle, writing on Instagram: “A good team won and I felt like myself again. #areyouabaleba.”
Strangely, United players Lenny Yolo and Andre Onana liked the social media post.
And Baleva will get a chance to show what United are missing in his audition on Saturday when he travels to United to face the Red Devils with his Brighton teammates on Saturday.
Mr Hürzeler has already laid down the law against Baleva, demanding that he rediscover the form that lured United into paying so much money.
“I think we’re at a point now where it’s up to him and he has to take responsibility,” Hürzeler said before United’s win against Newcastle.
“He can’t change the noise around him. He’s a Brighton player. Whatever the rumors, he’s a Brighton player until the end of the season (at least). But now he has to take responsibility.”
“Now he has to step up and show character. It’s definitely the next step in his personal development. As I’ve said in recent weeks, there are waves of growth, but you can only get out of it if you take ownership and take responsibility. There are moments when no one will help you.”
“You have to support yourself, help yourself. He has the best environment he can have here and he has great teammates who are there to support him.
“But now it’s also up to the player to step up, show character and take ownership of his own development. That’s what I will ask of him in the future.”
