Man Utd target Baleba faces four strict rules if £100m transfer occurs

Carlos Baleba could be on his way to Manchester United this summer

Manchester United are looking to seal a sensational £100million move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. After assembling his revamped £200m attacking trio, manager Ruben Amorim now wants a steely midfielder to stabilise the centre of the pitch and shield the defence - with Baleba high on the club's shortlist. Since stepping up to replace Moises Caicedo following the Ecuadorian's blockbuster move to Chelsea in 2023, the Cameroon international has quietly, but consistently, impressed at the Amex Stadium. As a result, Brighton are unwilling to part ways with him, with reports claiming a nine-figure bid will be necessary just to bring them to the negotiating table. United know signing Baleba won't be easily, but they've opened talks with Brighton to test their resolve. Meeting the asking price would make the 21-year-old United's most expensive player of all time - and mark one of football's priciest transfers. But it won't all be smooth sailing for Baleba if the transfer goes through. He will be expected to adhere to four strict rules set by Amorim aimed at improving discipline at Old Trafford following a turbulent first season marred by poor results and lack of discipline. Here's what the midfielder will be required to follow: Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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Ban on using international breaks as holidays Players are banned from treating international breaks like vacation periods. This was introduced after cases like Marcus Rashford and Casemiro flying to the US for leisure during times they weren't called up for their countries. Amorim stressed the need for the club to establish rules around rest, including restrictions on travel and days off. "We as a club have to set the standards and manage that," he said regarding the new regulations. "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."

Ruben Amorim has set four strict rules for everyone to follow at the club

Ban on food in the dressing room In an effort to prioritise physical fitness, Amorim has banned eating inside the dressing room on matchdays. This move is part of his larger campaign to maintain elite conditioning and raise professional standards across the squad. The ban came after Amorim talked about the importance of the team being in peak shape to "run like mad dogs" and compete at the highest Premier League level. "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."

Amorim is looking to instil discipline and hunger in his players after a dismal period for the club

The losing side in training must clear up equipment To encourage discipline and competition, the team that loses in training must pack away all the equipment used during that session. This rule aims to promote responsibility and motivation ahead of the 2025/26 season. Speaking to The Athletic about the policy, United prospect Toby Collyer said: "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." Diogo Dalot noted that pre-season standards are higher than last year, suggesting the new rule may be working. "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 Portugal defender said.

Carlos Baleba will have to be on his best behaviour if he joins United

Ban on complex instructions from coaches One of Amorim's initial reforms was to ban coaches from providing overly complex instructions, insisting all communications be simplified before reaching players. The goal is to improve clarity and player focus. While wanting to implement the same flowing, intricate, high-energy style from his Sporting CP team, the 40-year-old is opting for a clearer method of communication. This helps players react instinctively during matches without overthinking or getting overwhelmed. Amorim believes that clear guidance builds confidence - and when players fully grasp their roles, they perform much better under pressure.

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