Fernandes looking forward to linking up with 'young and exciting' Baleba at Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes believes Manchester United fans will love "young and exciting" new signing Carlos Baleba.

United have undergone a midfield rebuild this transfer window, with Baleba their latest addition in a reported £65m move.

He has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Old Trafford after three successful seasons at Brighton, where he made 112 appearances in all competitions.

No player won more tackles across all competitions for Brighton than Baleba's 100 since his debut for the club, while he also ranked second behind new Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke for duels won (469) and interceptions (117) in that time.

While Baleba is not expected to feature for United until September at the earliest, after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season, Fernandes is looking forward to seeing what he can do.

"I'm sure our fans will love Baleba!" Fernandes said after being named the 2026 PFA Players' Player of the Year.

"He's a very energetic player. Strong physically, he can push us up the pitch, driving the ball.

"Young and exciting, the club have been following him for two years."

Last season, Fernandes set a new Premier League single-season assist record, registering 21 across 2025-26, surpassing Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

The 31-year-old also scored nine goals despite a disappointing start to the season, helping United to finish third and secure Champions League football.

"It is obviously a very proud moment," he said about the award.

"They are the ones you go on the pitch against, and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment."

United suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City in their Premier League opener last week, and are looking to bounce back from that against Ipswich Town at home on Sunday.