Carlos Baleba | United player | #20

Been thinking about the best midfield combination for us now.

Actually I think Mainoo (as a 6) and Baleba (as an 8) would probably be the best with a high ceiling.

Using him next to Tielemens would restrict him to playing as a 6 and limit his usefulness.

I can see him being great next to Santos as well.

Tielemens can probably play as a 10 to give Bruno a rest.

Lots of games this season so I think everybody will get a lot of minutes.

Midfield partnerships take some time to flourish. But will be an exciting year I think.

If we can just get a LB over the line and an attacker (if Zirkzee leaves).
 
Kramer said:
Been thinking about the best midfield combination for us now.

Actually I think Mainoo (as a 6) and Baleba (as an 8) would probably be the best with a high ceiling.

Using him next to Tielemens would restrict him to playing as a 6 and limit his usefulness.

I can see him being great next to Santos as well.

Tielemens can probably play as a 10 to give Bruno a rest.

Lots of games this season so I think everybody will get a lot of minutes.

Midfield partnerships take some time to flourish. But will be an exciting year I think.

If we can just get a LB over the line and an attacker (if Zirkzee leaves).
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Mainoo and Baleba will provide more balance I think as Tielemans would be more similar to Bruno. But we can also play Tielemans and Baleba if we want to add more creativity or playing midfield 3 of Tielemans, Mainoo and Baleba if we need to rest Bruno.
 
lex talionis said:
A happy Rashford is probably the best LW in the PL, maybe in Europe. But he's got this thing about him and I don't know what it is. What professional footballer in their right mind would go to Belfast to drink himself silly the day before a training session, or ever, during the season? As for Rashford's current state of mind, we shall see.

Mbeumo is the better finisher, but Amad is the better carrier of the ball and creator of chances. Amad for me.

Then there's Tielemans. Youri undoubtedly has the better long ball, but we already have a long ball merchant in Bruno. Where Mainoo blows Tielemans away, and every other midfielder in the PL, is in his tight space passing. I don't mind slowing Mainoo down a bit so he doesn't burn out at the age of 25, but if we were presented with a cup final next week it's Mainoo easily over Tielemans.
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Marcus, is that you?

This is so delusional, I am sorry. He's really not that good at all. He can shoot and run in a straight line, and that's about it.
 
not a fan of United using selective stats to justify his signing, that feels like crap YouTube analysis, and used to head off people being quizzical about him.

It’s Manchester United, we think he’s a good player, we don’t need any of that small time stuff.

On one hand it’s going to be tough for him, coming off of a poor season, and coming to the club injured. Likely means he will have a very underwhelming start.

On the other hand, as we have signed two other midfielders, it will allow him to go somewhat under the radar, and allow him to bed on slowly (or at least more slowly than if he was the only player coming into a position).
 
Kramer said:
Been thinking about the best midfield combination for us now.

Actually I think Mainoo (as a 6) and Baleba (as an 8) would probably be the best with a high ceiling.

Using him next to Tielemens would restrict him to playing as a 6 and limit his usefulness.

I can see him being great next to Santos as well.

Tielemens can probably play as a 10 to give Bruno a rest.

Lots of games this season so I think everybody will get a lot of minutes.

Midfield partnerships take some time to flourish. But will be an exciting year I think.

If we can just get a LB over the line and an attacker (if Zirkzee leaves).
Click to expand...

Mainoo and Baleba concerns me because, based on their profiles we've seen so far there's a lack of progressive passing as a combination. I'd like to see Mainoo expand his passing range more. I'm intrigued to see how Baleba works with Santos, as I think that could be a really potent combination if both progress as we hope.

We've got an interesting blend of players though, with some mix and match capabilities.
 
Dans said:
Marcus, is that you?

This is so delusional, I am sorry. He's really not that good at all. He can shoot and run in a straight line, and that's about it.
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One dimensional with a terrible attitude and workrate. He had a semi decent half in a 2-0 loss to Hull and all is forgiven.


I'll give Baleba a chance, based on last season I wouldn't have signed him. It'll be tough for the lad coming to Utd with all that extra pressure and expectation. He'll need time to settle in, but he won't get it l, especially not on here.
 
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He's going to be a top player. I understand the concerns, but he just didn't want to be there. Different story now. He's a beast and just what we lack.
 
theatreofdreams777 said:
Good signing even though I feel like we once again overpaid by 10m like pretty much every other INEOS signing bar a couple. But it will not be much of an issue if he finds his form in 24-25 and maybe will even turn out to be a bargain in this market.

We needed a player with energy and athleticism in the middle of the park and he provides exactly that. And now we have a highly exciting young group of midfielders with Baleba, Santos and Mainoo. If they all develop as we hope then we have a quality midfield on our hands.
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What is the overpaying? His best season was better than Anderson who went for 130m? surely its a bargain. Same as Fernandes who cost 85 from a relegation team. Adam Scott to be valued around at the same price who had a decent season but didnt come close to Baleba's previous season. Caiceido, Enzo, Bouaddi (absolutely raw player) all at 100m.

What are signigns Ineos overpaid? You will surely be the one who complain everyday we didnt throw the money and bring the right players earlier.
 
We are overpaying by 100 pounds he took an Uber home after medical and Jimmy had to pay it from his own pockets
 
ron86 said:
Neither of them have an expansive passive range, both ball carriers
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I think Mainoo can definitely improve on his passing range but for the way we play and of whats likely our starting 11 we’d have Bruno, Cunha, Amad, Martinez, Dalot and Shaw in the team too but progressing the ball through quickly carrying it is something we’ve lacked for a long time and both Mainoo and Baleba are very press resistant.
 
This overpaying talk is so boring.. look at the prices going around - just this week we've seen Savinho £75m, Delap £50m, Marmoush is £60m, Nico Gonzalaez is £52m.

You cant say every deal is overpaying, the prices have risen astronomically over last year or 2. City and Chelsea raised the bar themselves with their buys and now setting higher prices for their players because opposition clubs think they are not desperate to sell or 'balance the books'.

So average PL players are going for £50m + and good young players are typically going to be £60m-70m.
 
Does anyone think the plan was always Baleba and Fernandes as the midfield 2 around £130m total, they would complimented each other so well...

We had strongest links with them over last 2 summers and then possibly promote from youth for 4th and 5th Choice CM after selling Ugarte.

However Spurs ambitions and Ugarte injury (meaning we cant sell for another year) messed up the plan, we still had to get numbers in and could only opt for one of Baleba or Fernandes.
 
My Baleba can fly
My Baleba can touch the sky
I think about him every night and day
Lose control and smash Marc Guehi
 
ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg said:
not a fan of United using selective stats to justify his signing, that feels like crap YouTube analysis, and used to head off people being quizzical about him.

It’s Manchester United, we think he’s a good player, we don’t need any of that small time stuff.

On one hand it’s going to be tough for him, coming off of a poor season, and coming to the club injured. Likely means he will have a very underwhelming start.

On the other hand, as we have signed two other midfielders, it will allow him to go somewhat under the radar, and allow him to bed on slowly (or at least more slowly than if he was the only player coming into a position).
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You make a good point that he is likely to have an underwhelming start. That said he is still a kid and development is never linear. Two good seasons doesn't mean a third good season. .No criticism directed towards your post by the way. Head turned by Utd interest, AFCON and Injuries and last year probably delivered the season he had.

Once we get the first international break out of the way, then hopefully he gets some decent minutes (good or bad) to see what he is all about.
 
Keanohat said:
Does anyone think the plan was always Baleba and Fernandes as the midfield 2 around £130m total, they would complimented each other so well...
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We signed Ederson first. Think the plan always was Ederson + Fernandes. Maybe even Santos, depending on Ugarte. That would have also landed you in the ~150M range

My current theory is we upgraded from Ederson to Baleba, once we realised Fernandes was not happening, and we saved some money w Tielemans.
 
ron86 said:
Baleba is far better as a box to box dynamic 8, his best partner would actually be santos sitting in the 6
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Mainoo was playing that role last season under Carrick, sitting deeper and being more disciplined, taking the ball off the defenders and controlling the team around while Casemiro played the more box-to-box role. Towards the end of the season he was starting to look very impressive there.

If Carrick continues playing Mainoo in that role and he keeps developing there, hopefully a Mainoo-Baleba combo could be class.
 
Given how this summer has gone, that's a fair price. The Prem is in a bubble at the moment of stupid pricing that's going to bite a few clubs in arse down the line, but this is one seems more normal.
 
I'm leaving any doubts in the transfer thread - he's here, he's going to be fantastic. Can't wait to see him in action.
 
DavelinaJolie said:
Mainoo and Baleba concerns me because, based on their profiles we've seen so far there's a lack of progressive passing as a combination. I'd like to see Mainoo expand his passing range more. I'm intrigued to see how Baleba works with Santos, as I think that could be a really potent combination if both progress as we hope.

We've got an interesting blend of players though, with some mix and match capabilities.
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I think Baleba actually hits a decent long ball.

It's receiving the ball, getting it out of his feet and playing the quick, short passes, that let's him down.

If I was playing against him I'd crowd him quick.
 
r3idy said:
You make a good point that he is likely to have an underwhelming start. That said he is still a kid and development is never linear. Two good seasons doesn't mean a third good season. .No criticism directed towards your post by the way. Head turned by Utd interest, AFCON and Injuries and last year probably delivered the season he had.

Once we get the first international break out of the way, then hopefully he gets some decent minutes (good or bad) to see what he is all about.
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I’ve not been a big fan of his signing. But now a line has been drawn in the sand, and will fully support him. I’m excited to see him, just conditions (mostly the injury and disruption to pre-season), will have an effect. We see it every year - more so perhaps with players who don’t have a good pre-season because they are moving clubs, but point remains.

Hopefully after the international break (ludicrous timing as always - but that’s another story) we will see the real player he is.
 
ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg said:
I’ve not been a big fan of his signing. But now a line has been drawn in the sand, and will fully support him. I’m excited to see him, just conditions (mostly the injury and disruption to pre-season), will have an effect. We see it every year - more so perhaps with players who don’t have a good pre-season because they are moving clubs, but point remains.

Hopefully after the international break (ludicrous timing as always - but that’s another story) we will see the real player he is.
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Indeed, and it's a 3 week international break the first one I believe.
 
Any official word on when he’s expected to be ready to play? I’ve read anything from a couple of weeks to not till after that annoyingly long international break.
 
Bright_Eyes said:
Hoping you're right! What makes you feel confident about it?
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Just how he was playing the season before last. He shown great ability in the middle to beat the press and move with the ball. With Mainoo covering it could be the best combo.

I don't think those performances were a fluke and we'll see that player soon.
 
pascell said:
Mid-September but may not feature until October due to the 3 week international break.
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Is there any possibility that ourselves and Brighton were trying to keep him wrapped in cotton wool?
 
Dans said:
Marcus, is that you?

This is so delusional, I am sorry. He's really not that good at all. He can shoot and run in a straight line, and that's about it.
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I respect the opinion that Rashford is a terrible footballer. He was, without question, in horrific form during his last 12 months with United. That said, that horrific form was now two seasons ago. More recently, he was brilliant for Barcelona, a club whose standards of excellence are very high, arguably much higher than United...at least in recent years.
 
lex talionis said:
I respect the opinion that Rashford is a terrible footballer. He was, without question, in horrific form during his last 12 months with United. That said, that horrific form was now two seasons ago. More recently, he was brilliant for Barcelona, a club whose standards of excellence are very high, arguably much higher than United...at least in recent years.
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Fan fiction, neither Barca or Barca fans were that impressed with him. They quickly identified the same flaws we all know exist as part of his play. This isn't a form issue it's a skill issue and his is limited.

Perfectly demonstrated when he decided to just run into the Hull defenders.

The idea that his form is dependent on his happiness is humourous though.
 
Glad we finally got that one over the line. All still a work in progress, but at least we look like we have some decent CM options for the first time since Scholes retired for the first time.
Kramer said:
Been thinking about the best midfield combination for us now.

Actually I think Mainoo (as a 6) and Baleba (as an 8) would probably be the best with a high ceiling.

Using him next to Tielemens would restrict him to playing as a 6 and limit his usefulness.

I can see him being great next to Santos as well.

Tielemens can probably play as a 10 to give Bruno a rest.

Lots of games this season so I think everybody will get a lot of minutes.

Midfield partnerships take some time to flourish. But will be an exciting year I think.

If we can just get a LB over the line and an attacker (if Zirkzee leaves).
Click to expand...
Best Midfield Combos for this season:

Baleba Santos Mainoo
Baleba Santos Tielemans
Tielemans Santos Mainoo
Tielemans Baleba Mainoo
 
RedEarth said:
Glad we finally got that one over the line. All still a work in progress, but at least we look like we have some decent CM options for the first time since Scholes retired for the first time.

Best Midfield Combos for this season:

Baleba Santos Mainoo
Baleba Santos Tielemans
Tielemans Santos Mainoo
Tielemans Baleba Mainoo
Click to expand...

3/10 rage bait.
 
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