Carlos Baleba has reportedly expressed frustration with Andrey Santos over what he believes is a lack of effort and commitment within the Manchester United squad, raising fresh questions about the team’s mentality as the pressure continues to build at Old Trafford.
The situation has sparked debate about discipline, teamwork, and whether every player is doing enough to help the club overcome its difficult start to the season.
Manchester United have been searching for consistency, confidence, and stability, but their struggles have made it increasingly difficult for the players to escape criticism. With Michael Carrick facing pressure to deliver better results, attention has turned towards the midfield, where the performances of new signings such as Baleba and Santos are expected to play a crucial role in determining the team’s direction.
Baleba is regarded as a midfielder who can bring energy, physical strength, defensive awareness, and aggression to United’s engine room. His arrival was expected to help the team become more difficult to play against, particularly in matches where opponents attempt to dominate possession and exploit spaces between the midfield and defence.
However, the Cameroonian midfielder understands that individual quality alone cannot solve Manchester United’s problems. He needs his teammates to demonstrate the same determination, especially during difficult moments when the team must defend together, recover possession quickly, and fight for every ball.
The alleged criticism of Santos has therefore raised an important question: are Manchester United suffering because of tactical problems, or are certain players failing to meet the standards required to represent one of the biggest clubs in world football?
Baleba is believed, in this hypothetical scenario, to be particularly concerned about the level of intensity expected from everyone in the squad. A midfielder cannot successfully protect the defence when teammates fail to press opponents, track runners, or recover their positions after losing possession. Every player has responsibilities, and neglecting those duties can leave the entire team vulnerable.
Santos, meanwhile, is a talented young midfielder whose technical ability and composure could make him an important part of United’s future. Nevertheless, talent must be accompanied by discipline, concentration, and a willingness to work for the collective good of the team.
The disagreement described in this storyline would represent a significant challenge for Carrick, who must ensure that any differences between his players do not develop into a wider dressing-room problem.
Manchester United cannot afford to have their midfielders working against one another when the team is already under pressure to improve its performances. Instead, they need their strongest personalities to lead by example and encourage their teammates to raise their standards.
Baleba’s reported frustration also highlights the expectations surrounding his own role. The midfielder was brought in to provide energy and defensive strength, qualities that become especially important when United face opponents capable of exploiting weaknesses in transition.
But Baleba cannot be expected to cover every area of the pitch alone. If one midfielder presses while another remains passive, the opposition can easily find space and play through the defensive structure. If one player tracks an opponent while another switches off, the entire team can be punished.
This is why midfield partnerships depend on communication, trust, and a shared understanding of responsibilities. Even players with outstanding individual ability can struggle when their teammates do not work together.
For Santos, the challenge would be to demonstrate that he is prepared to meet the demands of playing for Manchester United. Young players often need time to adapt to a new club, a different tactical system, and the pressure associated with performing in front of demanding supporters. However, adaptation cannot become an excuse for failing to work hard or follow the manager’s instructions.
The same expectations apply to Baleba and every other member of the squad. Nobody should be exempt from criticism simply because of their reputation, transfer fee, or potential.
Carrick must therefore establish clear standards within the dressing room. Players need to understand that selection should depend on performances, tactical discipline, fitness, and commitment rather than reputation alone.
If Santos is meeting those standards, the manager must protect him from unfair criticism and explain his role clearly. If his performances are falling short, the appropriate response would be to address the problem through training, tactical feedback, and honest conversations rather than allowing frustration to spread throughout the squad.
Baleba must also understand that leadership involves more than identifying problems. A player who wants to improve the team’s mentality must demonstrate the right attitude himself, encourage teammates constructively, and remain focused on delivering performances on the pitch.
Manchester United supporters have grown tired of watching their club struggle to maintain consistency. They want to see players who compete for every loose ball, challenge opponents aggressively but intelligently, and continue fighting even when a match becomes difficult.
The expectation is straightforward: every player must contribute to the team’s success.
The situation also places greater responsibility on the experienced members of the squad. They must help younger players understand the importance of representing Manchester United and ensure that standards remain high regardless of the team’s results.
There is, however, a difference between demanding greater effort and accusing a teammate of laziness. The former can strengthen a squad when communicated appropriately, while the latter can damage relationships if it becomes personal or is not supported by evidence.
That distinction would be crucial if Baleba and Santos were to experience a disagreement. Both players have an opportunity to become important figures in United’s midfield, and their partnership could be more valuable than any short-term argument between them.
Rather than allowing the situation to divide the squad, Carrick would need to encourage both midfielders to concentrate on their football and develop a stronger understanding of each other’s responsibilities.
Ultimately, Manchester United need a midfield capable of competing with the best teams in England and Europe. That requires physical intensity, tactical intelligence, technical quality, and a willingness to sacrifice individual preferences for the benefit of the collective.
Baleba’s alleged concerns about Santos, as presented in this hypothetical report, would therefore highlight a broader issue facing United: the importance of maintaining consistent standards throughout the squad.
Whether the problem lies in individual performances, tactical instructions, or the team’s overall mentality, the solution must begin with honest assessment and collective responsibility.
For Santos, the response would be to let his performances do the talking. For Baleba, the responsibility would be to channel his frustration into constructive leadership. And for Carrick, the task would be to ensure that every midfielder understands what is required of him.
Manchester United cannot rebuild their identity through arguments alone. They need unity, discipline, and players willing to work for one another.