Manchester United Thread 25/26 - Teamtalk/Transfers/Gossip Mod Note in OP 12.02.26

I'm not a scout watching Baleba or anything, but when I think of all the red flags we ignored for players like Sancho, AWB, Martial, I just think it would be a mistake to ignore the huge red flag hanging over Baleba.

Namely, that after being linked with us his form immediately went to utter crap.

United is a pressure cooker, are we really going to buy and rely upon a player that only played 90 minutes 3 times all year? A 22 year who got dropped to being a sub for Brighton? It kinda feels like we will all be here in a years time lamenting that our midfield still has gaps in it because Baleba couldn't make the step up.

Maybe he is just having a bad year, I don't know. Its just those red flags, we can't keep ignoring them.

Don't think it's sure at all he has the talent. 30m would be my bid but apparently they want at least 70+. Just walk away. I can already tell he will flop wherever he goes.

Its all about the character. Weak character and mentalities destroyed the playing squad for a decade, we need to be incredibly vigilant about it ever happening again.

Even if the price wasn't too high (and it is), I would want the scouts to be doing a serious deep dive into what kind of trainer and personality this lad really is. A midfielder that can't hack the pressure is not what we need while trying to rebuild, no matter what he cost.

I know its a risk for any signing. But this season didn't look good for Baleba.

I wonder how much effort both teams will give tomorrow, we are in CL but not guaranteed 3rd yet and Sunderland are 4 points off a Conference League spot but may have given up already.

Hopefully we get the win, secure 3rd and let the kids play the final 2 games.

"Lets get Bruno the record" will be his motivational speech.

3pm is a cup final, got to get that assist record… sun be dammed, I will be sitting in the shadows, glued to the game, moaning and groaning and laughing and shouting and crying with every potential pass and/or shot.

On the end of season and importance of results there is about a 5 million difference between finishing 3rd and 5th so I wouldn't expect any let up.

Would still like to see some squad players or youth get more minutes if it was feasible

Not taking away from Bruno Fernandes winning the award and deservedly so. However Rice is a quality player and possibly been Arsenal's best player since he signed for us nearly 3 years ago. The guy is an unbelievable player, regardless of his choice of International team. Quality is quality, its not just English hype.

Sesko is out apparently

No doubt. I think that tweet does nothing to convey impartiality though considering the seasons the respective teams have had and where the squads are at. United are a mid-table team without Fernandes this year.

Bruno & Kobbie in MF or trying out Mount there?

Good to see Zirks get a chance anyway

not a bad result,we win today and third should be almost secured

We're not winning any matches with that line-up. Zirkzee is lazy and Amad's form has dropped right off. Is Mount going to play with Kobbie as DM or is Bruno going to sit deeper? I don't like this set up at all. We'll be lucky to get a draw.