MBEUMO URGES PREMIER LEAGUE ACE TO JOIN MAN UNITED
Man United's Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly 'trying to entice' Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba to join the club. The Cameroon teammates have grown close, with Mbeumo acting as a 'big brother' figure on international duty.
Carlos Baleba, a colleague from Cameroon, is being courted by Bryan Mbeumo to join Manchester United.
The Sun claims that despite his short tenure at Old Trafford, the £71 million Brentford acquisition is making an effort to contribute to the team's strength.
According to reports, Mbeumo has been attempting to persuade Brighton's 21-year-old midfield dynamo of the possible transfer over the international break because he views him as a "little brother".
During the summer transfer window, Brighton resisted United's interest in Baleba and demanded more than £100 million. With a trip to Anfield to play Liverpool coming up with Ruben Amorim under a lot of pressure, United is presently ranked tenth in the league.
Mbeumo and Baleba have become closer since serving together for Cameroon on an international assignment.
When Cameroon lost to minnows Cape Verde in September, the forward was spotted comforting Baleba and shielding him from a pitch invasion.
After returning from international service, when he was allegedly attempting to convince Carlos Baleba to join, Bryan Mbeumo was seen reporting for Man United training on Thursday.
In the summer, Baleba (left) was linked to a move to United, but it never happened.
Brighton brought the midfield player in to replace Moises Caicedo, who made them £73 million when he sold to Chelsea, so if they do wind up cashing in on him, it will once again show to be fantastic business.
Baleba only cost the Seagulls £23 million to acquire from Lille, but after an incredible season, his value has already more than tripled.
However, the young player has had a rather difficult start to the season, and his manager, Fabian Hurzeler, acknowledges that the United interest might have been a distraction.
He earlier clarified: "A little boy may be profoundly impacted, even if he is not expressing it, when he reads that Manchester United is interested and has made a sizable offer."
Understanding that a large club will make a significant offer to acquire you when you perform well is another aspect of development.
"Then, to continue striving to be modest, remain here, be intelligent, and attempt to move forward with the team."
"I am a football coach because, first and foremost, of course, I am infatuated with football," he continued.
Observing the growth and progress of the young players comes in second. helping them get through some difficult times as well.
Although Baleba's season has not started well, his boss is certain he will improve.
According to reports, Mbeumo and Baleba became close while Mbeumo was serving for Cameroon abroad.
For instance, we discuss Carlos a lot. Last season, he made amazing progress, and everyone was thrilled with him.
"There is a wave right now, and it is crucial to stick with him, encourage him, and support him." I also truly appreciate these times.
It is not just about being present when things are well, in my opinion. When you are successful, it is simple.
After finishing second in the group behind Cape Verde with a victory and a draw during the international break, Mbeumo, Baleba, and company will now have to compete in a play-off to qualify for the World Cup.
With a key role against bitter rivals Liverpool this Sunday, the forward, who has been one of Amorim's team's bright spots this season, might win over even more supporters.
The next week, when Brighton plays Man United away from home, Baleba will be reunited with his "big brother" after playing for Brighton against Newcastle.
WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA
Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.
Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.
He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.
Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.
The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.
England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.
Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.
He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.
Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.
If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.
COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS
Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.
Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.
The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.
It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.
Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.
Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.
“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”