Just in: Another Man Utd target fades as Ornstein reveals ‘fantastic’ EPL star sustained injury

Manchester United's pursuit of another midfielder appears to have hit another stumbling block as the club's top target, Carlos Baleba, has reportedly sustained an injury, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming season. The 22-year-old Cameroonian, who has been touted as one of the most physically strong players in the Premier League, had initially captured the attention of several top clubs, with Manchester United being at the forefront of their interest.

Last summer, Baleba was at the top of United's midfield shortlist, but the club decided to postpone their midfield reinforcement plans due to the player's astronomical valuation by Brighton, which reportedly exceeded £100 million. Consequently, United opted to focus on revamping their attack instead. This summer, the Red Devils turned to other options, signing Andrey Santos for £48 million and Youri Tielemans for £35 million.

While conflicting reports have surfaced regarding United's intentions for a third midfielder, Baleba's name remained on their transfer list, particularly as the player was reportedly eager to join the Red Devils. However, recent updates from top sports journalist David Ornstein have revealed that Baleba suffered a pre-season ankle injury, significantly diminishing his chances of making his desired move to Old Trafford.

Although it is not clear if the injury is severe, it undoubtedly diminishes Baleba's prospects of securing a transfer to Manchester United. This setback may provide a glimmer of hope for other potential suitors, such as Aurelien Tchouameni, whose availability is contingent on various factors. Nevertheless, Brighton's hefty asking price for Baleba, despite his underwhelming performance in the 2025/26 season and occasional lapses as a starter, suggests that any delay in securing his services is unlikely to drastically alter Manchester United's plans.