Ineos oversaw a prolific summer transfer window at Manchester United, handing their head coach £232 million worth of talent.
United signed Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo despite facing competition from clubs with Champions League football to offer. The Red Devils also signed youngsters Diego Leon and Senne Lammens at opposite ends of the window.
However, Ineos encountered a major hurdle in their pursuit of Carlos Baleba.
Man United failed in their pursuit of Baleba
Baleba emerged as Ruben Amorim’s dream midfield target after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most well-rounded midfielders. The Cameroonian’s intensity out of possession and ball-carrying ability have put him on the radar of several top clubs.
It has been previously reported that United had agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old and even opened talks with Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, the Seagulls informed United that their star midfielder wasn’t for sale in the summer. It is thought they have slapped a £115m price tag on him, having sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for that figure.
United had to end their pursuit, but their interest may have turned the head of the ex-Lille sensation.
Man United’s interest has had an impact on Baleba
The Cameroon international did not complete 90 minutes in any of his side’s first four games of the season before the international break.
Surprisingly, Fabian Hürzeler dropped him from his starting lineup to face Bournemouth on Saturday, opting to start 39-year-old James Milner in the middle of the park instead. Baleba had to be content with a 24-minute cameo off the bench.
After Brighton’s 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth, Hurzeler was asked about Baleba’s mindset.
The German said (via talkSPORT): “I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him.
“It’s not easy for this player to handle it. Therefore we need to give him the time and support so he comes back to his best performance. But he’s a young player and I think that’s something we have to accept, that young players don’t always have the face we want to see.”
Hurzeler added: “I think everyone gets affected, especially when you are that young and you hear these kinds of things, no matter if they are wrong or right. But it’s just noise we don’t need.”
United, meanwhile, are going nowhere, as Baleba remains at the top of their wishlist. The Premier League giants are expected to test Brighton’s resolve in 2026.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
