‘He is a Ruben Amorim midfielder’ – Rio Ferdinand names the Premier League star Man Utd must sign

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Manchester United are preparing for the Premier League Summer Series in the United States as they step up their preparations for the new season.

Ruben Amorim’s side will take on fellow top-flight rivals West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton in the pre-season competition, three teams that should pose a good test ahead of the new campaign.

After Bryan Mbeumo completed his move to United, Red Devils fans Stateside will get to see their new signing in action alongside Matheus Cunha, their other big summer buy thus far.

The club are still eager to bring in additional reinforcements before the window closes, with Rio Ferdinand giving his opinion on who one of those new faces should be.

Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United must sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton

Speaking in New York on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast ahead of the Premier League Summer Series, the 46-year-old was asked what players his former side still need to sign to right the wrongs of last season’s disappointing campaign.

After stating first that Manchester United “need a centre forward”, Ferdinand turned his head to other positions.

It was here that the former England international gave his opinion on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, arguing that he would be the perfect signing for Amorim’s system.

Ferdinand said: “I’m being greedy, and [if] we are able to shift the other players that are surplus to requirements, I’d be going for Baleba in midfield.

“[He] beats the press on a regular basis. [He’s] confident on the ball. [He] can move, is mobile. He is a Ruben Amorim midfielder.”

How Carlos Baleba compares to Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte

Brighton signed Baleba in the summer of 2023, forking out £23.2m for the then 19-year-old.

After using the 2023/24 campaign to get adjusted to the Premier League and life in England, the midfielder made the central midfield position his own last term under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, featuring in 34 of his side’s 38 games.

Comparing his stats to those of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, the two United players who feature in Baleba’s position, shows that the Cameroonian would be a step up for Amorim’s side, adding value in how Manchester United press and in transition.

Capable of the occasional screamer, Baleba would even provide more of a goal threat for a side that takes more shots from outside the box than most in the Premier League.

Unfortunately for the Old Trafford club, however, the 21-year-old still has three years left on his contract.

Pulling him away from the Amex Stadium would therefore take a hefty fee, something the club will not be in a position to do until further sales are made.