Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United’s signing of Carlos Baleba can give the club the intensity and physical strength they have been missing in midfield.
The Cameroon international has joined United from Brighton in a transfer which could eventually cost £70m. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until June 2031, with the club retaining an option to extend the agreement by another year.
Rooney, a former Manchester United captain, welcomed the move and said Baleba possesses the qualities required to improve the team in the centre of the pitch.
Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, the former England international delivered an enthusiastic assessment of the new arrival.
“I really like him, I think he’s a very good signing,” Rooney said.
“He covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he wins the ball, and that’s exactly what we need,” he added.
Baleba’s arrival is also expected to increase competition for places among United’s midfielders. Rooney identified Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as players who could all be involved in that contest.
The former striker believes stronger competition within the squad can help improve standards, with United’s midfielders challenged to raise their performances in order to secure regular selection.
Baleba moves to Old Trafford after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders during his time at Brighton.
He joined the club at a young age and developed quickly into an important member of their midfield. His performances last season highlighted the defensive attributes that have now attracted United.
Baleba made 31 Premier League appearances during the campaign, with his statistics demonstrating his effectiveness when his side did not have possession.
The midfielder ranked among the top 8% of Premier League players for combined tackles and interceptions. He was also in the top 1% for second balls won.
Those figures help explain why Rooney feels Baleba can have an immediate influence at Manchester United.
The former captain’s support comes as Baleba begins the next stage of his career at a club where expectations remain high. His ability to cover ground, win possession and provide greater physical presence is viewed by Rooney as a potentially important addition to United’s midfield options.
With Fernandes, Mainoo, Santos and Tielemans also competing for opportunities, Baleba’s arrival gives the club another option in an area where Rooney believes greater intensity is needed.
