Carlos Baleba responds to Brighton criticism as Man Utd transfer audition looms

Carlos Baleba was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, but Brighton priced Manchester United out of a potential deal

Carlos Baleba says he's returned to top form ahead of Brighton's showdown with Manchester United. The 21-year-old midfielder, who was linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer, will be eager to show Ruben Amorim exactly what he can do when they meet this weekend.

Baleba commemorated the Seagulls' victory over Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon with an Instagram post. Captioning a collection of images from the Amex Stadium, the Cameroon international wrote: "Good team win and I'm feeling like myself again. #areyouabaleba."

United players Leny Yoro and Andre Onana featured among the thousands of users who 'liked' the post. Baleba endured a rocky beginning to the campaign, with Fabian Hurzeler openly demanding he raise his game, but he impressed at the weekend.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Magpies fixture, the Brighton manager challenged him to 'step up and show personality'. Hurzeler said: "I think we're getting to a time now where it's up to him, where he has to take responsibility as well.

"He can't change the noise around him, he's a player for Brighton. No matter what the rumours are, he will be a player for Brighton until [at least] the end of the season. But now he has to take responsibility.

"Now he has to make a step up and show personality, that's his next step in his personal development for sure. Like I said in the last weeks, there are waves in development, but you can only get out of it if you take ownership and if you take responsibility, there are some moments where nobody can help you.

"You have to be your own support, your own help. He has the best environment here he can get, he has great teammates who are there for him and support him.

"But now it's also up to the player that he steps up, that he shows personality and takes ownership of his development. That's what I demand from him in the future."

Tony Bloom recently spoke about Baleba's future, confirming that United had indeed shown interest in securing a deal. Speaking to The Argus, the Seagulls' owner said: "I don't think Baleba was a saga.

"There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away. So we've had many bigger sagas in the past.

"But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he's with us for this season."

According to the Manchester Evening News, United approached Brighton to ask about Baleba's availability, and they were told it would cost around £100m for his signature. Having already spent £215m on new players, the club struggled to financially justify such an investment.

United didn't see bolstering their midfield as a pressing need, hence the signing of three high-profile forwards in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Baleba stayed put at the Amex Stadium, but it seems the Red Devils are ready to make another attempt to secure his signature.