Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney has said Carlos Baleba will improve the team “massively.”

Rooney also rejected claims that the Cameroon midfielder went missing after his failed move to Old Trafford last season.

Baleba is expected to move from Brighton in a deal worth up to £70m and become United’s third midfield summer signing after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

Tielemans and Santos both made their debuts on Saturday as they started the lacklustre 2-0 Premier League defeat at newly promoted Hull.

“I really like him, Baleba, I think he’s a really good signing,” United’s record scorer told the Stick to United with Wayne Rooney podcast.

“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality, and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.

“But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.

“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo, but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”