Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham has cast doubt on the club's £70 million capture of Carlos Baleba, warning that the Cameroonian midfielder will need up to six months before he can be properly assessed at Old Trafford.

Baleba, 22, arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion as a replacement for the departed Casemiro, and manager Michael Carrick has indicated the midfielder should be available for selection within 10 to 14 days — putting his debut in line for either a Premier League or Carabao Cup fixture.

Sheringham's reservations

The 60-year-old former striker was candid in his assessment: "I'm not sold on Carlos Baleba — we've not seen him play at a club with the pressure of Man Utd yet, so it'll take six months or so before we can get a real idea."

Sheringham's concern centres on the step up in expectations Baleba now faces. The midfielder has never represented a club of Manchester United's stature, and Sheringham believes that context matters before any verdict can be delivered on the new signing.

The former England international's last competitive appearance came against Manchester United themselves — a 3-0 Brighton & Hove Albion defeat on the final day of last season's Premier League campaign. He made 31 top-flight appearances for the Seagulls across that term.

Tielemans contrast

Sheringham drew a distinction between Baleba's situation and that of fellow new arrival Youri Tielemans, who has started all three of Manchester United's opening Premier League fixtures. The former Aston Villa man turned heads with a standout display in the club's 5-2 home win over Ipswich.

"When you bring in two or three signings, they're expected to be playing. With someone like Tielemans, everyone talks highly of him and you expect him to go straight into the side, which has been the case," Sheringham said.

Mainoo could block Baleba's path

Sheringham also pointed to Kobbie Mainoo as a potential obstacle to Baleba's early ambitions. Despite the £70 million price tag, the ex-Brighton man may find first-team minutes hard to come by while Mainoo holds his place in the side.

"Someone like Baleba, with Kobbie Mainoo playing, might have to bide his time. When that chance does come, they've got to grab it with both hands," Sheringham added.

Manchester United's next Premier League outing is the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, following their UEFA Champions League encounter with Sabah FK on Thursday.