Carlos Baleba has acknowledged that persistent links to Manchester United amplified expectations and contributed to a difficult run of form this season. After emerging last term as one of Europe’s most impressive defensive midfielders, the Brighton midfielder has struggled to replicate that level and his performances have tested manager Fabian Hürzeler’s trust.

The German boss has used Baleba sparingly this term, with the player completing the full 90 minutes in just one of Brighton’s 16 top-flight fixtures. That reduced role has coincided with a more uneven campaign for the 17 shirt and greater scrutiny around his consistency.

Asked about whether the transfer speculation affected him, Baleba was initially dismissive. “I don’t think it affected me,” he told Sky Sports News after enduring more highs and lows in Saturday’s 2–0 defeat to Liverpool . He was, however, candid about the weight of expectation. “I had a lot of pressure on me,” he conceded.

Baleba described his own standards and the work required to return to last season’s form. “When I started the season, I wanted to [have] the same performances as last season. Every day I try to work hard and to get [back] to my level.” On whether he had demanded too much of himself he added: “Did I put too much pressure on myself? Yes, I think so, but I think that’s good. It’s good for me because now I need to pass this time of pressure and I need to get up and continue to work.”

Manchester United shifted last summer’s recruitment focus away from midfield, spending around £200 million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško, but their need for central midfield reinforcements remains. Brighton’s No. 17 is one option among several, with other names also emerging as potential targets.

Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson has risen this season, and any incoming midfielder would be expected to ease the burden on Casemiro, who is out of contract next summer. Adam Wharton also offers experience of operating in a 3-4-2-1 shape for Crystal Palace, giving clubs alternative profiles to consider.

Manchester United intend to keep the availability of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui confidential ahead of Monday’s visit by Bournemouth, according to reports. The club will reportedly delay any confirmation until as late as permitted to preserve a tactical advantage.

Amorim addressed the situation on Friday, saying: “We are still in conversations with national teams,” as he indicated he expected clarity “in the 24 hours that followed.” The Manchester Evening News state United will keep the decision behind closed doors in an attempt to surprise Monday’s opponents.

United are under no obligation to reveal the availability of the trio until the deadline of 75 minutes before kick-off, and the club are expected to take advantage of every possible second.

Defensive options remain limited because centre-back duo Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are still unavailable. There had been initial confidence that striker Benjamin Šeško was close to returning from a knee injury, but that comeback now faces uncertainty after a separate issue.

Amorim was candid on Šeško’s condition: “Ben, we have to see,” he said. “We have to see if he’s available. He had some [food] poisoning but we’ll see. Let’s wait.” No further update has been revealed and there has been significant speculation on social media that Šeško will not recover in time for the Bournemouth match.

Bournemouth will travel with the clear objective of disrupting United’s bid to move closer to the Champions League qualification places. United’s decision to withhold team news until the latest permissible moment is intended to limit their opponent’s preparation and preserve selection flexibility.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim offered measured praise for Bournemouth and their manager Andoni Iraola as the Red Devils prepare to host the Cherries at Old Trafford on Monday night. Bournemouth have slipped to 14th in the Premier League table after a poor run of results, but Amorim warned that their recent form does not tell the whole story.

United have recovered in recent weeks, taking seven points from the last nine available and recording away wins at Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers. A victory over Bournemouth would see United move into the Premier League’s top four at the end of the weekend.

Amorim also pointed to Bournemouth’s recent success at Old Trafford, noting their 3–0 wins there in consecutive Premier League seasons. He said he was more focused on the way Bournemouth play than on results alone.

“Special. I think the way they play the game like a big team, what he’s doing for some players,” Amorim told his Friday news conference. “I think he’s improving some players, and you can look at that team and they have several players that can play in a high level. That is an amazing job by the manager.”

He added: “I think it’s a top team, top manager with a special player. I don’t look to the results. I look at the way they face every opponent. They press really strong, they are really direct in the game.

“They can play with different options in front and that gives us a lot of options to work, to prepare the game. So I expect, again, a Premier League game that is really tough but we need to win, especially at home, and that is the goal.”

Amorim’s reference to a “special player” could be Antoine Semenyo. United are reported to have strong interest in Semenyo, but completing a move may require triggering the £65 million ($86.9 million) release clause that is active in his contract for most of January. Rival interest from Liverpool and Manchester City complicates any transfer, and there is no guarantee United would prioritise Semenyo over summer midfield reinforcements that may require significant investment.