Brighton star Carlos Baleba appeared inconsolable after being substituted midway through the first half of a nightmare outing against Aston Villa.
Manchester United target Baleba was booked in the second minute of the clash at Villa Park before being hooked by Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler after just 22 minutes.
The Cameroonian midfielder was replaced by James Milner, who equalled Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record of 637 matches.
An upset Baleba buried his head in his shirt as he sat on the bench as his disappointing season since he was linked with a move to Man United in the summer continued.
The 22-year-old has struggled to find the form that saw him emerge as a target for United, who are looking to overhaul their midfield in the next transfer window.
United made an enquiry over Baleba last summer before ending their interest after reportedly being quoted an asking price of up to £120million. There were reports the club had also been considering a move for the player in January.
Carlos Baleba appeared inconsolable after being taken off midway through the first half
Baleba made way for James Milner, who equalled Gareth Barry’s league appearance record
In September, Hurzeler admitted the interest from United had been affecting Baleba, who is on the club’s shortlist along with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
‘I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him,’ he said. ‘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.’
Baleba’s departure paved the way for Milner to join Barry on 637 Premier League appearances. The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds midfielder is one away from breaking Barry’s record, which has stood since 2018.
Milner, 40, made his top flight debut on November 10, 2022, and 8,494 days later he has cemented himself alongside former Barry, doing so at Villa Park where both men once turned out to add a cherry on top.
Milner is well travelled as a player and his 637 Premier League appearances are well spread out at Leeds United (48), Newcastle United (94), Aston Villa (100), Manchester City (147), Liverpool (230) and now at Brighton (34).
He has the chance to usurp Barry and stand alone at No 1 when Brighton travel to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on February 21.
