Carlos Baleba could be set for shock position change under Michael Carrick once £65m Man Utd transfer is completed

CARLOS BALEBA could be handed a shock new role under Michael Carrick if he completes his £65million move to Manchester United. The Brighton star is closing in on an Old Trafford switch as Carrick looks to put the finishing touches to his squad. Carlos Baleba could be set for a shock position change at Man Utd Credit: Getty The 22-year-old midfielder could be dragged into the left-back role over the long campaign Credit: AFP And while Baleba is being brought in to bolster United’s midfield, he could provide an unlikely answer elsewhere if Carrick is left short over, especially with European football this season. The 22-year-old is left-footed and has previously played at left-back, as well as filling in at centre-back. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Dream Team is back, free, and there’s £100,000 up for grabs! It does not seem like United are signing him exclusively to be a left-back but he could pitch in if needed. In 2024, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler noted that he was up for using Baleba as another left-back option for the Seagulls. Hurzeler told The Athletic: “He is an option to play there. “Against the ball he is very athletic. He has good speed, he is good one-against-one and with the ball. “He can play very good vertical passes and he can create a dynamic from further back, because of his dynamic runs.” BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Nevertheless, Baleba has only played twice at centre-back for Brighton and NEVER at left-back. Most read in Sport This dilemma comes after United flirted with a number of players this summer who can operate in both midfield and at left-back. Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was reportedly offered to the Red Devils by intermediaries earlier this month. United were interested in the 19-year-old, who is comfortable in both positions, after he struggled for regular starts under Mikel Arteta last season. But Lewis-Skelly is now expected to remain at his boyhood club and United have turned their full attention towards Baleba. Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, who has also filled in at left-back during his career, was another name on the shortlist. United had explored a move for Baleba last summer but backed away after Brighton valued him at more than £100m. They never completely took their eyes off the Cameroon international though and continued to track him throughout last season. United target Lewis Hall is reportedly in talks with Newcastle over a fresh deal with better terms Credit: The Times And talks with Brighton are now understood to centre on a deal worth around £65m. Mason Mount’s fitness had initially left United debating whether another midfielder or a left-back should be next through the door. The England international impressed in a deeper role during pre-season BEFORE lasting just 19 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month. Scans have revealed a minor hamstring injury – another concern after an injury-hit three years at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw – who started every Premier League game last season – turned 31 last month, making him the third oldest outfield United ace. The Red Devils are still expected to sign a specialist left-back, although a move for Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has cooled off. Reports from Sam C yesterday signalled that Newcastle have opened talks with Hall over a new contract that centres on improved terms. The Chelsea academy product is said to have been offered a new role within the leadership team under new boss Matthias Jaissle. Comment now