Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has backed summer signing Carlos Baleba to play a pivotal role for the club this season, tipping the young midfielder to successfully fill the void left by Casemiro. Baleba has faced a frustrating start to life at Old Trafford following his £70 million summer switch from Brighton & Hove Albion, with an injury-disrupted pre-season hindering his immediate integration.
However, the Cameroonian international made a solid club debut over the weekend, coming off the bench for a 30-minute appearance in Manchester United’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Tottenham. Speaking on the squad’s midfield dynamics, Stam expressed strong confidence in the 22-year-old’s physical profile, energy levels, and technical composure on the ball, qualities he believes make him the ideal successor to Casemiro in the defensive midfield enforcer role.
“I really like Carlos Baleba, who has come in from Brighton. I think he can replace Casemiro,” Stam said. “United need to find a replacement who is in good physical shape and has energy to cover the whole pitch.
He also needs to be very good on the ball, and Baleba can do that.” Following his encouraging cameo against Spurs, Baleba will be looking to build on his momentum as Manchester United continues its campaign across domestic and European fronts.