United View: Baleba set for United switch

At long last, Manchester United begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign this weekend with a trip to newly promoted Hull City. 

And while the Reds rounded off their pre-season campaign with a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan, there are still plenty of reasons to be optimistic ahead of Saturday’s clash. 

Both Matthijs de Ligt and Benjamin Sesko returned to training this week, and while it is unlikely either will have a part to play at the MKM Stadium, having them back available will only strengthen Michael Carrick’s options going forward. 

To add to this, it seems INEOS are finally looking to address the Casemiro-shaped hole at the base of midfield, with United closing in on a deal to sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. 

The Cameroonian has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the South Coast side rejecting a number of late bids for the midfielder last summer. 

But it seems United may finally have their man, with the clubs reportedly set to agree a fee in the region of £65m. 

While there will definitely be concerns about the 22-year-old’s drop-off in form last season following the speculation, this may have worked in the Reds’ favour, who could now benefit from a cut-price deal. 

The potential signing will come as a huge relief to many United fans, who have rightly expressed concerns regarding the lack of transfer activity ahead of a potential 60-game season. 

Even Carrick himself has acknowledged this, saying, “We want more, we need more,” when speaking to the media earlier this week. 

Elsewhere, Mason Mount remains sidelined after his promising pre-season campaign was cut short by injury – a sight that has become all too familiar throughout his time at Old Trafford. 

Mount’s absence could see summer signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos start together at Hull, while the returning Marcus Rashford is also expected to be included in the travelling squad. 

Meanwhile, the Reds have also been busy sanctioning transfers for some of their out-of-favour players, with youngsters Ethan Williams and Ethan Ennis both departing for six-figure fees. 

The future of Joshua Zirkzee also remains uncertain, with Juventus reportedly interested in a deal for the Dutch forward. 

Zirkzee has shown little to justify his hefty price tag since arriving in the summer of 2024 and looks increasingly likely to be moved on before the window closes. 

He could be joined by Harry Amass and Toby Collyer, both of whom are attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs following successful loan spells last season. 

Finally, skipper Bruno Fernandes has entered contract talks with the club amid reports linking him with a sensational move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. 

The Super Lig side have reportedly offered the Portuguese star the chance to double his salary, but I’d be astounded if he were to leave given how much unfinished business remains at Old Trafford. 

With his current deal set to expire next summer, I see the speculation as little more than a tactic to secure a bumper new contract. 

While there are no easy games in the Premier League, Carrick and his side will be confident of making a strong start, with two newly promoted sides awaiting them in their first two fixtures. 

United kick off their home campaign against Ipswich Town a week later, with six points from their first six a non-negotiable requirement.