MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET CARLOS BALEBA CONFIRMS BRYAN MBEUMO IS THE TRUE CAMEROON LEADER
Carlos Baleba hails Bryan Mbeumo as a great leader as the pair prepare for Cameroon’s AFCON opener against Gabon today.
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.
GARETH BARRY URGES MANCHESTER UNITED TO SIGN ELLIOT ANDERSON FOR £100M
Gareth Barry identifies Elliot Anderson as the ideal Casemiro replacement as the Brazilian prepares to leave Man Utd.
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Gareth Barry, the former Premier League midfielder, thinks Manchester United should target Elliot Anderson to take Casemiro’s place. Casemiro, now 34, already said he’s leaving Old Trafford when his contract ends this summer.
United’s decision not to extend Casemiro’s deal fits with their plan to shake up the squad. They paid Real Madrid an initial £60 million for him in 2022, and with add-ons, the deal reached £70 million. Casemiro’s on big wages around £300,000 a week, which gets closer to £350,000 if United make the Champions League. There’s also uncertainty about Manuel Ugarte’s future. With both potentially on the way out, plenty of names are being floated as replacements.
Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali, and Adam Wharton are all in the conversation, but Barry sees Anderson as the best option.
Talking to BOYLE Sports, Barry explained, “Manchester United will definitely be searching for someone to fill Casemiro’s shoes. Anderson isn’t the same kind of player, and there’s a big age difference, too. What he brings is pretty unique.
“I really rate Elliot Anderson. If you’re a United scout, you’re talking about him. Off the ball, there aren’t many better. He presses, he shuts down space, and he’s great at winning the ball back. Plus, he can play forward too.
“That’s why Thomas Tuchel starts him for England over some big names, and why he could easily start at the World Cup. I’m sure he’s getting discussed in various boardrooms, not just at Manchester United.
“If a move’s going to happen, it’s better to get it over the line quickly. It just makes everything smoother for both clubs and the player, especially with a big tournament coming up.”
Barry added, “No one wants uncertainty hanging over Anderson while he’s focused on England at the World Cup. It doesn’t help anyone. And if he has a standout tournament, his price could easily go up.
“So if everyone agrees it’s time for a move, getting the deal sorted before the World Cup just makes sense.”
Even so, Nottingham Forest won’t be keen to let Anderson go. Since joining Newcastle in 2024, he’s become a vital part of their midfield. Forest supposedly set its price at £100 million, but their relegation fight could change things. Right now, Vitor Pereira’s squad sits 16th in the table, just three points clear of the drop zone with seven games to play. names and
FA CHARGES HARRY MAGUIRE FOR "IMPROPER BEHAVIOR" FOLLOWING COSTLY BOURNEMOUTH DISMISSAL
Michael Carrick’s side faces a defensive crisis as Harry Maguire is charged by the FA for improper conduct.
Harry Maguire has been charged by the Football Association over his conduct following the red card he received in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
The defender was sent off after officials judged that he pulled back Evanilson inside the penalty area during their Premier League meeting last month. Maguire challenged the decision with both referee Stuart Atwell and fourth official Matt Donohue once VAR confirmed the call.
That penalty allowed Junior Kroupi to score the equaliser, helping Bournemouth claw back a point against Michael Carrick’s side.
According to an FA statement, Maguire faces charges relating to improper behaviour and/or the use of abusive or insulting language towards the fourth official after his dismissal. He has until April 2 to respond to these allegations.
As things stand, Maguire is due to serve a one-match ban for the red card, which would rule him out of Manchester United's game against Leeds at Old Trafford on April 13. If his ban is extended following this charge, he could also miss the clash with Chelsea on April 18, an encounter that could be crucial, given United sit third and hold a seven-point cushion over sixth-placed Chelsea in the battle for Champions League spots.
Earlier, Daily Mail Sport reported that Manchester United lodged a formal complaint with the PGMOL after the Bournemouth draw. The club were particularly frustrated over a denied second penalty, where Amad Diallo appeared to be brought down in the box while they led 1-0. Bournemouth then equalised through Ryan Christie in the ensuing play, and a VAR review did not overturn the decision, which may have swung momentum considerably.
Inside the United camp, there’s a sense that Maguire’s foul, which led to Bournemouth's second equaliser, mirrored the unpunished challenge on Diallo involving Adrien Truffert. That comparison fuels their belief that some decisions during the game didn’t go their way.
