Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has thrown his weight behind Carlos Baleba, declaring that the 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has what it takes to replace Casemiro in the defensive midfield role at Old Trafford.

Baleba arrived at Manchester United this summer in a £70 million deal from Brighton & Hove Albion, but an injury-disrupted pre-season delayed his introduction to the squad. Despite the slow start, the Cameroon international made an encouraging first appearance for the club, coming off the bench during a 1-1 Premier League draw against Tottenham and contributing for around 30 minutes.

Stam, who made more than 100 appearances for Manchester United during his playing career, pointed to Baleba's physical attributes, work rate across the pitch, and composure in possession as the qualities that make him a natural fit for the enforcer role vacated by Casemiro.