Declan Rice thinks player Man Utd 'must sign' over Benjamin Sesko can be a world-beater

Declan Rice believes a midfielder Manchester United have been urged to sign can win the Ballon d'Or.

Rio Ferdinand has advised United to abandon their pursuit of former Arsenal target Benjamin Sekso and instead go all out for Brighton's Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils have already strengthened their attack this summer with the signings of Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee keen to establish themselves at Old Trafford following difficult beginnings, Ferdinand believes head coach Ruben Amorim possesses sufficient firepower up front and should focus on strengthening his midfield options.

Should United follow Ferdinand's counsel and target a midfielder, he has identified one particular candidate - 21-year-old talent Baleba, who has been catching the eye at Brighton following his move from Lille in 2023.

Baleba harbours ambitious dreams, inspired by encouragement from Ballon d'Or victor Rodri and others, including Arsenal midfielder Rice. Speaking to The Sun in May, he disclosed his goals: "Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they've all told me I've got it in me. I want to win the Ballon d'Or like Rodri."

Discussing his respect for Rodri, he explained: "I watched him [Rodri] during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me. It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult.

"He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class. His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d'Or someday."

Ferdinand explained why he holds Baleba in such high regard on his YouTube channel, saying: "If I don't get a striker, I'd go midfield. There's only one name I'm thinking about, I've got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need.

"An Amorim-type player as well. Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba.

"That's who I go and get. That's my man. That's the one I go and get. I go and break the bank. So if I got the money for the four players that are surplus to requirements now, would I get a number nine or would I get Baleba?

"Would I get a number nine I'm not sure about, who's a bit young, inexperienced, or would I get Baleba with Premier League experience and know what he can do here? I'm going Baleba, sorry.

"I'm going to go with Baleba. I think he'll have a huge impact on this squad, on this team. You free up a few people in that midfield area as well to have a little less responsibility defensively because I think he's all-action. He can do it all."

The Red Devils have turned their attention to Sesko, deeming him a more attainable target than Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Newcastle are also in the chase for the Slovenian forward, with conflicting reports about the 22-year-old's preferred destination.

It was thought that the Red Devils were Sesko's top choice. However, recent reports from his homeland suggest he is leaning towards a move to Newcastle, who have rejected a £110m bid from Liverpool for Alexander Isak, who was previously linked with the Gunners.

Arsenal were also heavily linked with Sesko earlier in the window but opted instead to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

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