Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has named Brighton star Carlos Baleba as the signing he thinks the Red Devils should bring in in midfield.
Man Utd have been linked with a host of names at the position in recent times, with Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton also considered firmly on their radar.
Baleba is also a United target, and it appears Ighalo believes he would be the best option for his former club as they look to strengthen in this all-important area of Ruben Amorim’s side.
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Ighalo told Ladbrokes at the Ladisfaction launch: “I still think they need a box-to-box midfielder who can complement Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in there.
“You know, someone who can use the ball, pass, run, tackle… all that. I really like the Brighton player they are linked with, Carlos Baleba. United have already signed a few names, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, who know the league well, and Baleba would be another player who I think would be a smart signing for the club.
“I’ve watched him a lot, and his work rate is very similar to Moises Caicedo, who Chelsea also signed from Brighton. That work rate, that willingness to do the dirty work… they need a player like that.
“Casemiro does some of the dirty work, but I think you need someone who can learn from him and take on that role when he leaves the club. For me, Baleba is that guy.”
Can Carlos Baleba replicate the success of Moises Caicedo?
The comparison to Chelsea’s Caicedo is obvious, with the Ecuador international playing a similar and impressive style previously as a youth player at Brighton.
Caicedo is now a key player at Chelsea and continues to become one of the best in the world in his position.
Baleba would do well to place himself in this category over the next few years, but he has shown he is fully capable of it.
However, United have already spent a lot of money on exciting talent, but they end up being disappointing once they arrive, so they will have to choose carefully here.
