He was never someone you would call a top-class player. But he was exactly the kind of player the vast majority of managers would want in their squad, because he could handle a variety of tasks and roles. As a player, Michael Carrick's physicality was never his greatest asset — his brain was. He played on instinct, read situations well and, although there are no guarantees, he should probably know what this Manchester United team needs in midfield. Fans wanted Casemiro to stay for another year, and the Brazilian even kissed the badge, but he did not change his mind. He left Old Trafford, and almost the entire midfield has been rebuilt. Manchester United's midfield looks nothing like it did last season.At last – Baleba! United closing in on Cameroonian's move to Old TraffordYouri Tielemans arrived, as did Andrey Santos. And that was still not enough. Manchester United pushed hard in the final days of the summer transfer window and secured another midfield reinforcement: today, they officially announced the signing of Carlos Baleba (22) from Brighton. Carlos Baleba had been on Manchester United's radar for a long time. The interest does not date back to Michael Carrick's appointment as interim manager, but rather to the days when Ruben Amorim was unsuccessfully in charge at the Theatre of Dreams. The English giants showed interest last autumn, monitored the Cameroonian defensive midfielder during the winter and signed him this summer. They have secured his services for the long term, with a contract until 2031, plus an option for another year.A shocker! Man United lose against Hull CityManchester United's move for Anderson from Atalanta fell through because of his "questionable medical record", while city rivals Manchester City snatched Elliot Anderson from under their noses. Carlos Baleba had remained on their wishlist throughout, and well-informed transfer insiders, such as David Ornstein, claimed that Michael Carrick had pushed for the Cameroonian international's arrival. The midfielder fits his profile.Win. Turn. Drive. Repeat. Coming to the heart of United's midfield: Carlos Baleba… pic.twitter.com/qUTWs8d0QH— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 25, 2026 “It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour. I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level. The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together” said Baleba upon arrival.England League Cup Round 2Tuesday21.00: (2.90) Cardiff (3.50) Norwich (2.35) 21.30: (5.40) Doncaster (3.70) Middlesbrou. (1.60) 21.45: (1.67) Barnsley (3.60) Crewe (4.90) 21.45: (2.70) Blackburn (3.35) Sheffield Utd (2.60) 21.45: (3.50) Blackpool (3.45) Lincoln City (2.10) 21.45: (3.20) Cambridge (3.40) Millwall (2.25) 21.45: (2.20) Fleetwood (3.25) Shrewsbury (3.15) 21.45: (1.47) Ipswich (4.10) Leicester (6.25) 21.45: (4.90) Plymouth (3.60) Coventry (1.67) 21.45: (6.25) Sheffield W. (4.10) Wolverhampton (1.48) 21.45: (2.60) Southampton (3.25) West Ham (2.55) 21.45: (2.55) Stevenage (3.05) Reading (2.75)21.45: (2.65) Stoke (2.95) Hull (2.75) 21.45: (3.10) Walsall (3.30) Leyton (2.20) 21.45: (2.00) Watford (3.45) Peterborough (3.45) 22.00: (4.50) Birmingham (3.50) Brentford (1.75) 22.00: (2.25) Nott.Forest (3.40) Leeds (3.20) Wednesday21.45: (3.05) Bradford (3.25) Burnley (2.25) 21.45: (1.35) Newcastle (5.30) WBA (8.00) 21.45: (1.25) Tottenham (6.50) Charlton (10.5) 22.00: (6.00) Preston (3.90) Everton (1.52) Thursday21.30: (1.18) Chelsea (6.50) Luton (13.0) 22.00: (1.18) Fulham (6.50) Wimbledon (13.0) * odds are subject to change