Carrick mimics Paris to rebuild Manchester United's midfield, demanding a change from the new star; Baleba actively seeks a move

Manchester United manager Carrick intends to follow Luis Enrique's midfield setup at Paris Saint-Germain to build a Red Devils squad capable of competing for titles. Last month, PSG defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final to retain their crown, becoming one of the strongest teams in world football.

In Enrique's lineup, the Iberian trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz was key to their success. Carrick believes that United's midfield rebuild should use this as a benchmark and template. Although PSG employs a 4-3-3 formation while Carrick's tactics are 4-2-3-1, he still considers it a reference point.

Carrick hopes to establish a more consistent playing style in his first full season in charge. He will ask 21-year-old Kobbie Mainoo to elevate his game; the academy graduate was once overlooked by Ruben Amorim last season and nearly left the club, but Carrick revived his form after taking over.

Mainoo has signed a five-year contract extension with a pay raise and will become a core figure in United's future development. Under Carrick's guidance, he has taken on more defensive duties while also needing to play an indispensable role in attack. Now, Carrick wants Mainoo to learn how to spot and exploit spaces behind the opponent's defense. Last season, Mainoo scored just one goal, and United expects him to find the net more often, becoming an all-round midfielder.

In the past, Mainoo's defensive awareness was weak; reportedly, England midfielder Declan Rice was skeptical of his off-the-ball instincts. Carrick successfully convinced Mainoo to contribute more defensively, commending the young Red Devils star's attitude in the 1-0 away win over Chelsea in April. In that match, United managed only one shot on target but secured victory, with defense being the key—and Mainoo delivered his best defensive performance.

United has already signed Ederson, a £39 million midfielder from Brazil who excels at defending and organizing, allowing teammates more freedom to push forward. The club also plans to bring in a better midfield addition to replace Casemiro, whose contract expires at the end of the month, helping Carrick realize his tactical vision.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba hopes to become that missing piece for United. According to *The Sun*, he has discussed a potential move with some United players. Last summer, the 22-year-old Baleba had already reached a personal agreement with United, but Brighton's demand for a £100 million transfer fee scuppered the deal.

After Brighton's 3-0 defeat to United on the final day of last season, Baleba spoke with United captain Bruno Fernandes and forward Cunha on the pitch. Cunha didn't even play in that match, but Baleba immediately approached the Brazilian striker on the sideline after the final whistle and had a lengthy conversation near the tunnel.

Baleba was a teammate of United defender Leny Yoro during their time at Lille. He is also naturally close to fellow Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo, and another compatriot, André Onana, encouraged Baleba to move to United last year—though Onana himself was later loaned to Turkish club Trabzonspor.

United left-back Patrick Dorgu, when asked in the mixed zone whether United should sign Baleba, chose to stay silent and declined to comment. Baleba's performance last season was mediocre; he made 23 appearances, eight fewer than the previous campaign, and only played the full 90 minutes four times.

Baleba also underwhelmed in both Premier League matches against United. In October, Brighton lost 4-2 at Old Trafford; Baleba lasted less than an hour, picked up a yellow card, and was substituted when trailing 3-0. After he left the pitch, Brighton scored twice while conceding only one more goal. In the return leg at home, Baleba was not in the starting lineup; manager Hürzeler deemed him fatigued and out of form, not suited for a starting role. United completed their first league double over Brighton since the 2020/21 season.

Among United's potential midfield targets, Baleba is likely the most attainable and cheapest option. Other players are priced at least £80 million—for example, Bournemouth's Alex Scott is valued at £80 million.

According to *talkSPORT*, Bournemouth wants to keep the 22-year-old newly-capped England international this summer and has set a high price to deter potential buyers, including Liverpool, managed by his former boss Andoni Iraola. Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is a huge fan of Scott and believes his value should be comparable to Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali.

Due to his poor form last season, Baleba's value has dropped, but he has also fallen down United's recruitment priority list. It is widely believed that unless there are no other options, the Red Devils will no longer choose to sign him.