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Baleba's appeal lies less in creativity and more in his ability to win possession, cover ground and then carry his team forward.
His 2025-26 campaign was quieter than the previous one, but his 2024-25 numbers show why United have tracked him for so long. He ranked fourth among Premier League midfielders for possessions won in the middle third (107) and interceptions (46), was fifth for ball recoveries (197) and seventh for duels won (199).
That defensive output was matched by his ability to progress possession himself.
Baleba averaged 6.7 progressive carries per 90 minutes, with only three qualifying Premier League defensive midfielders recording more, while 2.9 of those carries travelled at least 10 metres.
His athleticism underpins that game as he reached a top speed of 34.5km/h in 2024-25, compared with 30.5km/h for Casemiro, and averaged 8.2 defensive actions per 90.
He is not necessarily the midfielder United would rely on to dictate possession. Only 11.8% of his passes were classed as line-breaking that season and 22.7% travelled forward - both below the average for central and defensive midfielders.
But that may make him complementary to United's other options rather than a direct alternative. Tielemans can provide more of the progressive distribution, while Baleba offers defensive security and the ability to drive through midfield.
Alongside Kobbie Mainoo, he could take on more of the ball-winning and ground-covering work, while a partnership with Santos could allow Baleba greater freedom to operate box to box.
That versatility is reflected in his positioning as he spent 88% of his minutes last season as a defensive midfielder and 12% in central midfield, suggesting he can anchor the side or step forward depending on who plays alongside him.
United most commonly defended in a 4-2-2-2 last season under Carrick, accounting for 55.9% of their out-of-possession shapes. Baleba's dynamism could be especially valuable in a system where central midfielders are asked to defend large spaces and stop counter-attacks.
There may, however, be an adaptation period.
Baleba is recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season and will need time to recover his match sharpness.
United have also looked to spend longer spells in possession under Carrick, progressing through midfield with quick combinations. Baleba's game is better suited to more open contests, but his passing profile suggests he may need time to adjust to greater responsibility in build-up.
His left foot and mobility should still make him a natural partner for players such as Tielemans or Bruno Fernandes. There is development ahead of him at 22, not least after last season's dip, but at his best Baleba combines defensive activity with the acceleration and carrying power to transform a turnover into an attack within seconds.
