Saha warns Man Utd are too reliant on Bruno Fernandes as £65m Carlos Baleba bid lands

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has warned that the club are placing too much responsibility on captain Bruno Fernandes as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.

Saha’s comments come after United reportedly submitted a £65 million bid for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba this week, with the Cameroonian emerging as a key target for manager Michael Carrick.

Saha demands more from United’s midfield

United have admired Baleba for more than a year and reportedly view the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for Casemiro, who left the club this summer after his contract expired.

The proposed move comes despite United already investing heavily in midfield. Carrick has brought in Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million, while Youri Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa in July for £35 million.

However, Saha believes further additions are necessary, particularly to reduce the burden placed on Fernandes to create chances and influence matches.

“It’s not just about strikers. Man United needs their providers to do more. They are too reliant on Bruno Fernandes. There’s too much pressure on him, and it’s not healthy or good enough for any team to rely on one player.

Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad challenged

The former France international also believes United’s attacking players must contribute more consistently in front of goal if the club are to compete across multiple competitions.

“United now have some good players in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo but they’re the players who need to show us more, and get more numbers for goals and assists this season. It would give the team more balance and more options in the final third.

Saha singled out Tielemans for praise following his move to Old Trafford, highlighting the Belgian’s ability to link midfield with the forwards.

“I think Youri Tielemans is a great signing for Manchester United because he’s a central midfielder whose first eye is always on the forwards. He can help them by finding them in space to create those one-on-ones.”

Baleba could solve midfield problem

Baleba has established himself as an important figure at Brighton since joining the club and made 35 appearances across competitions last season.

The midfielder has now accumulated 92 Premier League appearances for the Seagulls, strengthening his reputation as one of the league’s most promising young midfielders.

United’s reported £65 million offer underlines their determination to add another physical and progressive presence to their midfield.

With Santos and Tielemans already through the door, Baleba’s potential arrival would give Carrick greater depth and allow Fernandes to operate with less responsibility in the creative areas.

For Saha, that added balance could prove crucial if United are to challenge on multiple fronts next season.