Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has advised the club to abandon their top midfield target, who is not at the level required to elevate Ruben Amorim’s midfield.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has advised the club to abandon its pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and instead focus on two other Premier League midfielders.
Manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window, having missed out on a similar profile last summer. United had previously shown interest in Baleba but were deterred by Brighton’s hefty £100 million valuation.
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Carlos Baleba in action || Imago
The 21-year-old Cameroonian international enjoyed a breakout season last year, but his form has been less impressive during the 2025-26 campaign. Scholes questioned whether Baleba possesses the “quality” required for a club like Manchester United and expressed doubts that he is the “type of player” Amorim needs.
Instead, the former England international suggested that Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton or Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would be better fits, despite having his own reservations about them.
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Scholes tells Amorim to forget about Baleba
“I think all three of them are really good players,” Scholes told Sky Sports. “Baleba is very young, but they’re all quite young, aren’t they? Quality-wise, is he quite there? I think he’s almost in a Caicedo type of way.”
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Carlos Baleba to stay in Brighton this season.
“He’s done really well at Chelsea, don’t get me wrong, but is that the type of player Manchester United needs? I’m not sure,” Scholes continued. “Adam Wharton is, again, a really good player. Can he get around the pitch? Old Trafford’s a big pitch… You need to have some physicality. You need to have legs in that position.”
Scholes admitted he was particularly impressed by Anderson’s recent performances for England. “I really liked him when he was at Newcastle, but I thought he was more of an attacking player… He’s come into that role for England and looks very accomplished, very stylish. Keeps the ball really well, will pass it forward as well.”
Manager Rúben Amorim’s squad will be desperate to return to winning ways this Sunday when they travel to face Crystal Palace. The corresponding fixture last season ended in a goalless draw, but Palace will be confident, having already secured a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford in February.