Carlos Baleba, who Man United is eyeing, is really impressed with his international teammate Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon player called Mbeumo a great leader as they chase after the Africa Cup of Nations title.

Mbeumo joined Ruben Amorim's team from Brentford over the summer and seems to be doing well, which is good news for United as they try to get back on top. United wanted Baleba from Brighton, but they couldn't get him because he cost over £100 million.

A central midfielder is still a main concern for United, since they've been lacking in that spot since Bruno Fernandes got hurt. The Portuguese player won't play on Boxing Day and will probably be out until next month.

The Old Trafford team has been linked to Ruben Neves, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson. Baleba is supposedly still on United's list. Now, the 21-year-old is talking about Mbeumo's leadership skills and his own.

"I think our team is great," Baleba said. We're going to play in the Africa Cup of Nations, and I think we'll do well.

Playing for Cameroon means a lot to me because I want to win something with my country. I love playing for my country. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup with my country!

I've become a leader, but there are many leaders in the group, like Bryan Mbeumo.

We're all going to stick together and play our best. We're going to give everything for our country, but first, we have to believe in our team.

Baleba is hoping to play his best at the Africa Cup of Nations after a rough start to the season. Brighton's sporting director, Jason Ayto, thinks Baleba will get back to his peak soon, especially with United interested in him.

He's improving as the season progresses, he told the Athletic. We're excited to see him play for his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, and we're looking forward to his return.

Carlos is happy, strong, and energetic, which is great for us. I believe he'll get even better in the second half of the season.

Baleba and Mbeumo will play against Gabon in Cameroon's first game in Morocco and then play against Ivory Coast and Mozambique.

Ahead of Manchester United's Boxing Day home game against Newcastle, boss Ruben Amorim gave updates on Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo's fitness. United wants to recover from their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa and improve their chances of finishing in the top four. They've only gotten one point from their last two games.

Fernandes Left the Villa Game Early

Last weekend, Aston Villa beat United with two great goals from Morgan Rogers. Now, United is three points behind Chelsea, who are in fourth place. This week, Amorim's team has a chance to tie with Chelsea before Chelsea plays Aston Villa on Saturday night.

The loss at Villa Park was even worse because captain Fernandes had to be subbed out at halftime with a possible hamstring issue. He'll probably be out until the New Year. This is tough for Amorim, since Fernandes has been key in United's midfield this season.

Before Friday's game, Amorim updated everyone on Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, who didn't play against Villa because of an injury.

Amorim on Four Players' Fitness

At the pre-Newcastle press conference, Amorim said about Fernandes and Mainoo, "They won’t play this game; they're still getting better." I think Kobbie will be back sooner than Bruno. I have an idea when, but we'll see. We have other players, and we might need to try some different strategies.”

Amorim also said that centre-backs Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt would miss the Newcastle game due to hamstring and back problems. We're still working with them. "They can't play this one, but we'll see about the next game," he said.

On a brighter note, Amorim praised academy players Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, who both made their debuts as subs against Villa. Jack Fletcher was great, and that’s why we need to give chances to guys like him, Amorim said.

About Fletcher and Lacey's debuts, Amorim added, "They're normal, good kids." They’ve been great this week. They haven't changed just because they played for Manchester United.

They’re focused, getting ready for the game, and they think they can play. That’s good. They’re the same as they’ve been for the past few weeks.

'No Replacing Bruno'

Fernandes' absence is a blow, and he's hoping to be back for the Manchester derby next month. Amorim said it's 'impossible' to replace him: It is impossible to replace Bruno. This morning, I told the team that this is a time for others to step up.

Not just with creating plays, but also with set pieces. He organises the team, and this is a chance for everyone to understand we can't rely on one player for everything.

We sometimes count on Bruno for organising and creating. We’ve lost Bruno in set pieces, so this is a big deal, but it’s a chance for players to show the leadership we need.”

About what the team loses without Fernandes, Amorim added, "Everything." He knows every position. He pays attention to everything. During set pieces or subs, he tells everyone where to be.

But this is great for guys like Licha, Luke Shaw, and others. We need more leaders to step up because this can happen to Bruno. It’s not common, but it can, so this is a big chance for the other guys.”

Several Absences for United

United will be missing several key players against Newcastle. Besides Fernandes, Mainoo, Maguire, and De Ligt, Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui are playing for Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, respectively, in the Africa Cup of Nations.

But Casemiro is back after missing the Villa game due to suspension.