Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has expressed reservations about the club’s recent acquisition of Carlos Baleba, despite the midfielder’s potential to add physicality to the team. Baleba joined Manchester United in August from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee of up to £70 million, comprised of a £65 million guaranteed fee plus £5 million in add-ons, signing a five-year deal with an option for an additional year.
The Red Devils previously attempted to sign Baleba last summer but withdrew due to Brighton’s valuation. Baleba is currently recovering from an injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season and is expected to return after the international break.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, Scholes debated with former teammate Nicky Butt regarding Baleba’s potential success at Old Trafford. Butt confidently predicted, “Hit!” while Scholes stated, “Hit, I think.” Butt explained his belief that Baleba is “what’s needed in midfield for Man United. Bit of physicality. I think we have got some fantastic midfielders who can play football to the highest level, but a little bit of physicality in there needed, and I think he will bring that.”
However, Scholes offered a more cautious assessment, remarking, “I don’t think it’s a guaranteed hit, but I don’t think he had a great season last year.” He added, “If the season before, then, yeah, on that form, yeah, I think he will be alright, yeah.”
Manchester United’s next match is on Thursday against Sabah in their Champions League opener.
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