Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleva has spoken out about the Manchester United star amid rumors of a possible move to Old Trafford following the Red Devils’ summer failure.
Manchester United target Carlos Baleva has praised his international teammate Brian Mbeumo. The Cameroon star praised Mbeumo’s leadership qualities as the pair move on in their quest for AFCON glory.
Mbeumo joined Ruben Amorim’s side from Brentford in the summer and appears to have been a success story as United look to get back on track. However, the Red Devils were unable to sign Baleva from Brighton as he was said to be worth more than £100m.
A central midfielder remains a priority for United, who are short on positions due to Bruno Fernandes’ injury. The Portuguese star was ruled out on Boxing Day and is likely to be sidelined until next month.
The Old Trafford side have been widely linked with Ruben Neves, Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson, with Baleva said to still be on United’s shortlist. And now, the 21-year-old is speaking out about Mbeumo’s abilities as well as his own leadership abilities.
“I believe in the players,” Bareva said. “We are going to AFCON and I think we will do well.
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“Playing for Cameroon is a big deal for me because I want to win something for my country. It’s an honor to play for my country. I want to win AFCON and the World Cup with my country!”
“I became a big leader, but there are a lot of leaders in the group, there are a lot of leaders like Brian Mbeumo.
“But, guys, we are going to stay together and play. And maybe we can give everything for the Motherland. But first, believe in our team.”
Baleva will be hoping to return to his best form at AFCON after a difficult start to the season. Brighton sporting director Jason Ayt expected Baleva to be back to his best form soon after being linked with United.
“As the season goes on, he’s getting stronger and stronger,” he told The Athletic. “We are really looking forward to seeing him represent his country at AFCON and are really excited to have him back.
“He’s a happy, strong, energetic Carlos, a really good player for us. I think he’ll get stronger and stronger in the second half of the season.”
Baleba and Mbeumo will play Cameroon’s first match in Morocco against Gabon, before facing Ivory Coast and Mozambique.
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