Dwight Yorke has questioned Manchester United’s decision to make Carlos Baleba their third midfield signing of the summer, arguing that the club still have more obvious problems to solve elsewhere.
Manchester United completed Baleba’s move from Brighton this week. The Cameroon international joins Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for the midfield summer signings.
Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke, however, isn’t convinced that it should have been the priority.
Michael Carrick saw his side beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League, with both goals coming from set pieces. The defending was poor and the performance raised questions about the squad. Calls have been made for new defensive options.
Yorke can’t understand United’s midfield focus
Speaking after the defeat as quoted by Metro, Yorke admitted he was struggling to see the logic behind another midfield signing.
‘Carlos Baleba to Man Utd? It’s been a very weird transfer window,’ Yorke said.
‘Man Utd seem to be concentrating a lot on the central area of the park, where we already have plenty of players.’
He pointed to the fact that United still have more options in midfield than they did previously, even with Manuel Ugarte currently injured.
‘Don’t forget Ugarte, who is injured. We know Casemiro did a pretty good job toward the end of last season, thanks to his experience, but I’m not sure why we are concentrating on that position so much.’
For Yorke, the bigger issue is further back.
‘The defensive areas of the pitch are the ones that stand out, and we haven’t been able to address those. So, we’ve added another young player who is still unproven in Carlos Baleba.’
That isn’t a criticism of Baleba’s ability. Yorke accepts there are positive signs in his game, but he isn’t sure Manchester United have bought him because of what he has shown recently.
‘He showed good signs in the past, but from my understanding, we aren’t signing him based on his recent form, but his form of a couple of seasons ago.’
Yorke was blunt in the end.
‘I’m a bit confused by it myself, but I do believe we are focusing way too much on that central area rather than other aspects of the team.’
Rooney sees Carlos Baleba differently
Wayne Rooney has taken almost the exact opposite view.
The former United striker believes Baleba gives Carrick something the midfield has been missing and expects him to make a big difference.
‘I really like him [Baleba], I think he’s a really good signing,’ Rooney said.
‘We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.’
Rooney also highlighted Baleba’s aggression and ability to cover ground.
‘He’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and that is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.’
He also welcomed the competition Baleba creates alongside Santos, Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo.
‘It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and [Kobbie] Mainoo, but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.’
There is plenty behind Baleba’s signing. At just 22, Carlos Baleba already has plenty of Premier League experience behind him.
Baleba was Brighton’s Young Player of the Season for 2024/25.
He leaves Brighton having made 112 appearances for the club, including 92 in the Premier League. The midfielder also has international experience with Cameroon. He made his senior debut in June 2024 against Cape Verde and represented Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Baleba isn’t a bad signing but Yorke’s concern is more about where Manchester United are spending their money.
Michael Carrick now has a stronger midfield, but whether the defence receives the same attention will go a long way towards deciding how far this United side can actually go.
