Rooney identifies Cameroon midfielder as key to Manchester United rebuild

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United should complete a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba before the summer transfer window closes, arguing that the Cameroon international could bring the physical presence and competitiveness the club’s midfield currently lacks.

United began their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat by newly promoted Hull City. Manager Michael Carrick’s side produced a poor performance, with the display from the players drawing criticism from both pundits and Manchester United supporters.

Rooney, United’s record goalscorer, was speaking after the setback on his podcast Stick to United with Wayne Rooney. He was referring to Baleba, who he strongly backed despite criticism that the 22-year-old had declined or “disappeared” following the collapse of his proposed move to Old Trafford last season.

Manchester United are expected to pursue Baleba again, with the potential transfer from Brighton reportedly rising to £70m. His arrival would make him the club’s third midfield signing of the summer, following the additions of Youri Tielemans and Andre Santos.

Tielemans and Santos made their Manchester United debuts on Saturday, both starting in the defeat by Hull City.

“I really like him, and I think he’s a very good signing. We need another midfielder who has a bit of physicality, even if he is not tall,” Rooney said.

“He covers the ground really well, he is aggressive, he wins the ball back, and those are qualities we need. He is a very good player and he would improve the team a lot,” Rooney added, according to Sky Sports.

Baleba’s possible arrival would create further competition for places in a midfield that also includes Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo. Rooney said that competition should be welcomed by the squad.

“It would be interesting, but that is how it should be: competition for places. If you are not playing well, you do not play,” he said.

United were interested in Baleba last season, but Brighton were reported to have demanded £100m for the midfielder. The Cameroon player subsequently endured an underwhelming campaign, starting only 23 Premier League matches and failing to score.

That led to suggestions that his influence at Brighton had diminished, although Rooney rejected that assessment.

“I do not think he disappeared. The opportunity to play for Manchester United does not come around very often, and you do not know what effect not making that move can have. There is no doubt about his ability, and I see him as a top-class player,” he said.

Manchester United have made the midfield a priority during the current summer transfer window. Their reshaping of that area has followed Casemiro’s departure and a serious knee injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte.

Tielemans and Santos joined last month from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively in deals worth a combined £85m.