Bruno Fernandes holds lengthy chat with Baleba as Ugarte hints at United exit

Bruno Fernandes lingered in conversation with Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba on the pitch at the Amex Stadium after Manchester United’s final-day win on Sunday, in an exchange that has intensified speculation over a summer move for the 22-year-old Cameroonian.

Fernandes initially put his arm around Baleba before appearing to walk away, only to turn back for a longer discussion — a moment that drew immediate attention from United supporters, some of whom described it as looking like “more than just a handshake” and dubbed the captain “agent Fernandes.” Baleba was also seen talking to Joshua Zirkzee in the tunnel and called out to Patrick Dorgu during a post-match interview. When Dorgu was asked whether he would like to play alongside Baleba at United next season, the Dane smiled and replied: “No comment.”

Baleba had been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but Brighton’s £100 million valuation deterred United at the time. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has since acknowledged that the transfer speculation affected Baleba’s form during the season, suggesting the club may now be willing to accept a lower fee.

The renewed interest in Baleba comes as United weigh up the future of Manuel Ugarte, whom the club are open to selling this summer. The Uruguayan, signed last year, has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford and was candid about his difficulties upon returning to his homeland ahead of the World Cup. “This year wasn’t the best at Manchester United,” Ugarte told reporters, a rare public admission that his move has not worked out as hoped.

Those potential arrivals and departures form part of a broader rebuild under Michael Carrick, who was confirmed as permanent manager after guiding United to third place and a return to Champions League football. Carrick has been handed a two-year deal and faces a significant restructuring task, with Casemiro also departing following Sunday’s match at Brighton.

Midfield is widely regarded as the priority area for investment if United are to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City next season. Baleba, should a deal be agreed at a revised valuation, would represent one of the more straightforward solutions to that need — and Fernandes, it appears, may already be making the case in person.