Carlos Baleba will be hit with four strict rules if he completes transfer to Man United

Carlos Baleba will be hit with four strict rules if he completes transfer to Man United

Manchester United are pushing to secure a sensational £100million deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba - but the 21-year-old could be set for a rude awakening if he joins

Carlos Baleba is heavily linked with a move to Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United are making a strong push to land Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a stunning £100million transfer.

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With his revamped £200m attacking trio now set, Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim is targeting a steely midfielder to strengthen the centre of the pitch and offer protection for the defence - and Baleba tops the club's priority list.

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The Cameroon international has been steadily impressing since stepping into the sizable shoes left by Moises Caicedo following the Ecuadorian's high-profile transfer to Chelsea in 2023. Consequently, Brighton are determined not to lose him, with reports suggesting it would require a nine-figure fee just to bring them to the negotiating table.

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United understand that signing Baleba won't be simple but have nonetheless opened talks with the Seagulls to test the waters. If Brighton's asking price is met, the 21-year-old would become United's record signing in a deal that would mark one of the biggest in football history.

But it won't be all sunshine and rainbows for Baleba after that. In fact, the youngster will need to follow four strict rules set by Amorim to improve standards at Old Trafford after a disappointing first season in charge marred by poor results and disciplinary issues. Here's what he will face:

Ban on using international breaks as holidays

Players are banned from using international breaks as time off for vacations. This rule came after incidents like Marcus Rashford and Casemiro travelling to the US for leisure when they weren't called up for national teams.

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Ruben Amorim has implemented four strict rules at the club (Image: Getty Images)

Amorim highlighted the importance of setting club rules for rest, including limiting travel and days off. "We as a club have to set the standards and manage that," he said of the new policies.

"It's my decision if they can have five days, or three days, or three days to rest and you cannot fly. This is something that us as a club have to decide. So this must be started in the club, with us and me being responsible in that area."

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Ban on food in the dressing room

To prioritise physical fitness, Amorim has banned food from being eaten in the dressing room on matchdays. This is part of his wider effort to keep the squad in elite condition and uphold professionalism.

This ban was announced after Amorim stressed how crucial it is for the team to be physically prepared to "run like mad dogs" and challenge the Premier League's best.

"You can do a starting line-up with the best players on the planet, without running they also won't win," he said last December. "We have to run like mad dogs, if not we won't win."

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Amorim is looking to instil discipline and hunger in his players after a dismal period for the club (Image: Getty Images)

Losing teams in training must tidy equipment

To promote responsibility and competitiveness, the team that loses during training sessions must gather all the equipment used that day. This new rule is intended to boost discipline and motivation heading into the 2025/26 season.

Talking about the rule, United youngster Toby Collyer told The Athletic: "Everyone wants to be the team that wins. You don't have to get the gear in then. It's a jeopardy if you lose! All the other teams have to get the gear in."

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Diogo Dalot observed that standards during pre-season have risen compared to last year, hinting the rule is having its desired effect. "If you want to be in Manchester United, you need to match some standards. If you can't match them, it's not a place for you. The message is really clear," the Portuguese defender said.

Carlos Baleba will have to be on his best behaviour if he joins United (Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)

Ban on complex instructions from coaches

One of Amorim's first major reforms was banning coaches from giving overly detailed or complex instruction, requiring them to simplify everything before it reaches the players. The goal is to enhance communication and focus.

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Though he aims to instil the fluid, intricate, high-intensity style his Sporting CP team played, the 40-year-old has chosen a clearer approach to delivering instructions. This ensures players act instinctively on the pitch without overthinking.

Amorim believes clear communication builds confidence - and players who fully understand their roles will perform with much greater accuracy under pressure.

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