Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler believes Carlos Baleba’s struggles are due to Manchester United’s interest in him.The Cameroonian midfielder was on the Red Devils’ radar during the summer, but they eventually backed down due to a £115million valuation from Seagulls owner Tony Bloom.Hurzeler is increasingly concerned about an out of form BalebaGettyThe Cameroon star was taken off at half-time against Tottenham HotspurGettyBaleba was one of Brighton’s best players during the 2024/25 campaign, but has started this season well off the pace.Hurzeler dropped him from the starting line-up during a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth and then a game later had to haul him off at half-time due to a poor opening 45 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur.The manager had previously said Baleba was affected by the ‘media noise’ around him, and went more specific after his latest below-par showing.What did Hurzeler say about Baleba?“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down,” he said. “That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him. “But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team and that’s something we have to keep on working with him.“I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not. But for sure, he’s a young boy and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. “We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.”Brighton signed the 21-year-old from Lille in 2023 and see him as another player they can make a huge profit on.The south coast side have made millions from sales to Premier League rivals, particularly Chelsea, pocketing £115m for Moises Caicedo – a player they paid just £4.5m for.Bloom is hoping for another massive Caicedo style profit, but will need Baleba to regain form for that to happenGettyYet their tactic to hold onto Baleba is backfiring, at least in the short term, as the master ball-winner is looking nothing like last season’s vintage.Only Kaoru Mitoma played more games than his 40 for Brighton last term when Baleba ranked first for tackles, tackles won, interceptions and fouls drawn.His ranking among his teammates has dropped off this season, with the past two fixtures a particular concern.What has been said about Baleba?Speaking after the Bournemouth game, his first not in the starting line up, manager Hurzeler said: “I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him.“It’s not easy for this player to handle it. Therefore we need to give him the time and support so he comes back to his best performance.“But he’s a young player and I think that’s something we have to accept, that young players don’t always have the face we want to see.United may well come back in for Baleba next summerGetty“It’s our responsibility to help them in the right moments.“I think everyone gets affected, especially when you are that young and you hear these kinds of things, no matter if they are wrong or right. But it’s just noise we don’t need.”Baleba has three years left on his contract, and talkSPORT understands that Brighton will be willing to cash in for the right fee next summer.