Cunha thinks player Man Utd 'should sign' over Sesko can win Ballon d'Or

Matheus Cunha and Manchester City's Rodri are big admirers of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who Rio Ferdinand wants Manchester United to sign over striker Benjamin Sesko

Matheus Cunha believes a midfielder Manchester United have been urged to sign can win the Ballon d'Or. Rio Ferdinand has advised United to abandon their pursuit of Benjamin Sekso and instead go all out for Brighton's Carlos Baleba.

The Red Devils have already bolstered their attack this summer with the acquisitions of Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee eager to make their mark at Old Trafford after challenging starts, Ferdinand reckons manager Ruben Amorim is well-stocked with forwards and should turn his attention to beefing up his midfield.

Should United heed Ferdinand's advice and hunt for a midfielder, he has one name in mind -21-year-old sensation Baleba, who has been turning heads at Brighton since his transfer from Lille in 2023.

Baleba himself has lofty ambitions, fuelled by encouragement from Ballon d'Or winner Rodri and others, including Cunha. He revealed his aspirations to The Sun in May, saying: "Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they've all told me I've got it in me. I want to win the Ballon d'Or like Rodri."

On his admiration for Rodri, he said: "I watched him [Rodri] during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me. It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult.

"He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class. His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d'Or someday."

Ferdinand revealed why he rates Baleba so highly on his YouTube channel, saying: "If I don't get a striker, I'd go midfield. There's only one name I'm thinking about, I've got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need.

"An Amorim-type player as well. Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba.

"That's who I go and get. That's my man. That's the one I go and get. I go and break the bank. So if I got the money for the four players that are surplus to requirements now, would I get a number nine or would I get Baleba?

"Would I get a number nine I'm not sure about, who's a bit young, inexperienced, or would I get Baleba with Premier League experience and know what he can do here? I'm going Baleba, sorry.

"I'm going to go with Baleba. I think he'll have a huge impact on this squad, on this team. You free up a few people in that midfield area as well to have a little less responsibility defensively because I think he's all-action. He can do it all."

The Red Devils have switched their focus to Sesko after determining he represented a more achievable target than Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Newcastle are also pursuing the Slovenian forward, with mixed reports emerging regarding the 22-year-old's preferred destination.

Initially, it was believed that the Red Devils were Sesko's favoured choice. However, reports from his home country now indicate that he is more inclined towards a move to Newcastle, who have turned down a £110m offer from Liverpool for Alexander Isak.