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A player’s desire to be part of Manchester United’s long-term project has been a key factor behind INEOS pushing ahead with moves for their transfer targets.

Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all turned down more financially rewarding offers to join Old Trafford last summer, even though Champions League football was not on offer.

According to ESPN, United decided against signing Mateus Fernandes partly because, during discussions, he never made it clear that his first choice was a move to Old Trafford. The situation was very different in the case of another midfielder, who has now become a Red Devil.

Manchester United completed the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion after agreeing a deal worth £70 million, including add-ons.

Baleba had been on United’s shortlist since last summer, and the Cameroon midfielder wanted only to join the Red Devils, despite Brighton refusing to sell him in 2025. The 22-year-old had even agreed personal terms with United at that stage.

So when United entered formal negotiations with Brighton this summer, talks progressed smoothly and Baleba eventually secured the move he had been hoping for. His reaction behind the scenes indicates the youngster is delighted.

According to The Sun, Baleba is “adjusting smoothly” to life in Manchester and spent his first week at Carrington concentrating on recovery work for his ankle injury.

“Insiders have highlighted his upbeat personality and lighthearted presence around the squad,” the report states.

It seems Baleba has already improved the mood at the club with his attitude, and Michael Carrick will now hope he can make a similar difference on the pitch.

Baleba did not play in any of Brighton’s pre-season friendlies this summer following the injury setback.

The Cameroon international is expected to be fully fit by mid-September, and if his recovery moves quicker than expected, he could reportedly make his debut against Fulham on 20 September.

However, given Baleba’s lack of match action this summer and United’s fairly encouraging midfield options, it may be more sensible to introduce the new signing after the international break against Tottenham Hotspur on 10 October.

Carrick’s side are due to face Everton this weekend, and after the display from Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans against Ipswich Town, the midfield is unlikely to be altered for the away trip to Merseyside.