In discussions within Crickex Affiliate circles and across English football, Manchester United’s decision to walk away from Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is beginning to look like a smart move. Manager Ruben Amorim had initially eyed the 21-year-old as part of his plan to reshape United’s midfield, but Brighton’s bold £120 million valuation quickly cooled the interest. Months later, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS appear vindicated, as Baleba’s form this season has been far from that of a nine-figure player.

During the 4-2 clash between United and Brighton, Baleba struggled to impose himself, earning a disappointing 5.8 rating before being withdrawn after less than an hour. The contrast with last season, when he notched four goals and two assists in 40 appearances, couldn’t be sharper. Insiders suggest that the constant transfer speculation surrounding Manchester United may have disrupted his focus. The club now reportedly believes that Baleba’s technical level and mental resilience do not justify a massive transfer outlay. If any deal is to be revived next year, two things must change: the price must drop dramatically, and his performances must show real maturity and improvement.

Observers from Crickex Affiliate have noted that Manchester United’s scouting radar remains crowded with targets, though most come with equally inflated price tags. Nottingham Forest’s 22-year-old England international Elliott Anderson, for example, has been valued between £100 million and £120 million despite Forest’s relegation struggles. Transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany revealed that Forest are unwilling to cash in easily, with Anderson tied down until 2029 and no release clause included. His next destination could hinge on Forest’s survival and whether interested clubs can offer Champions League football. Spanish giants Real Madrid are rumored to be monitoring him closely.

Interestingly, United’s fixture calendar now lines up with several of their potential transfer targets. After facing Brighton and Forest, they are set to meet Crystal Palace later this month, where Adam Wharton — another Amorim favorite — plays a central role. Meanwhile, The Daily Express reports that England prospect Jobe Bellingham has turned down a January loan switch to Old Trafford. The 20-year-old joined Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland for £25 million but has yet to replicate the impact of his older brother, Jude, starting only twice in the Bundesliga.

Sources close to the player say a move to Manchester United holds little appeal right now. With no European football on offer and Amorim’s 3-4-3 system not suiting his profile, Bellingham fears he would simply repeat the frustrations he’s experienced at Dortmund. Other rumored names — such as Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, Roma’s Manu Koné, and Bayern Munich’s Pavlović — remain long shots. Chelsea rejected a £60 million approach for Santos from Saudi side Al Khaleej Al-Qadisiyah, while United scouts are unconvinced that Koné is ready for the Premier League’s physical demands. Pavlović, meanwhile, has already been ruled out by insider Fabrizio Romano.

For Crickex Affiliate readers tracking United’s rebuild, the pattern is clear: the club is done throwing money at uncertain talent. Unless Baleba’s asking price tumbles or his game reaches a new level, United’s focus will shift elsewhere. In a market where hype often outweighs reality, the Red Devils’ newfound caution suggests they’ve finally learned that patience — not panic — wins the long game.