Carlos Baleba quickly deletes United-themed social media post after adding fuel to fire of transfer links

Carlos Baleba will play at Old Trafford today for the first time since he was heavily linked with a Manchester United move over the summer.This evening, Brighton and Hove Albion take to the Theatre of Dreams in hopes of continuing their stellar form at the ground, and the Cameroonian midfielder will be expected to play a vital part in the fixture.United and Carlos Baleba: What occurred over the summer?(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Back in August, United held talks with Baleba over a potential switch, with reports at the time suggesting he was keen on completing the move. Nothing materialised between the parties involved, as Brighton had set their valuation in the region of £100 million. Understandably, they were reluctant to part ways with their coveted talent only two years after signing him from Lille.INEOS chiefs subsequently conceded that not all areas of Ruben Amorim’s squad could be strengthened in one window and ended their pursuit of the 21-year-old.Despite being one of Fabian Hurzeler’s most consistent and reliable performers last term, Baleba’s form has faltered since 2025/2026 got underway, and the Brighton boss thinks United’s approach has something to do with it.When touching on the player’s inconsistent performances last month, Hurzeler told reporters: “For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down.“That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club that wants to have him.” Fabian Hurzeler admits Manchester United links could be affecting Carlos Baleba pic.twitter.com/k5E56S8Jhn — BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) September 20, 2025Baleba quickly removes social media post seemingly referencing United links(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)It remains to be seen whether United will revive their interest come the end of the term. If recent speculation is anything to go by, Baleba remains a firm option on their shortlist.Ahead of Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off, the Seagulls star previewed the clash on Instagram with a snap of himself in action for Brighton along with the key details of the contest.Initially, he captioned the post: “Coming to Old Trafford”, adding a laughing face emoji. However, he removed the picture shortly after and reposted it without the text. 🚨📸 | Carlos Baleba posted this on his Instagram story, and then shortly after removed the caption. 😅 pic.twitter.com/2Bd7n1bjOL — (fan) Frank 🧠🇵🇹 (@AmorimEra_) October 25, 2025