Manchester United fans will no doubt be licking their lips at the prospect of finally seeing marquee summer signing Carlos Baleba in action after the October break.
Carlos Baleba has missed the opening weeks of the 2026-27 Premier League season after Manchester United signed the midfielder while he was carrying an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian midfield talent made the bench for Man Utd’s 1-1 draw against Fulham in the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage last month.
However, Michael Carrick ultimately decided against bringing Baleba off the bench in Man Utd’s encounter with Fulham at Craven Cottage ahead of the October break.
Carlos Baleba’s strength, both on the ball and off it, is what could turn around Michael Carrick and Man Utd’s fortunes this season
The three-week October break has been tough for Manchester United fans, but Carlos Baleba has benefited from the period by recovering his fitness levels. While the former Brighton star is waiting to make his official club debut, Baleba was involved in a secret behind-closed-doors match for United against Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport at the Carrington training complex.
United won the match 2-1 against the Swiss Super League outfit and the fixture was another sign that Baleba’s rehabilitation program is nearing its end. Youri Tielemans arrived at Old Trafford ahead of the Cameroon international in the summer and has seen first-hand what Baleba brings to the table.
“Yeah, it’s early days, but yeah, he’s been great,” he said on Manchester United’s Inside Carrington podcast.
“You know, he has some ex-teammates as well, some teammates from the national team with Bryan [Mbeumo]. But yeah, he’s a good young kid, you know, and you can see his quality from playing against him.”
Youri Tielemans has been the preferred midfield partner alongside Kobbie Mainoo under United manager Michael Carrick this season. While the 29-year-old former Aston Villa midfielder has brought his experience and passing ability to the table, Tielemans knows how important Baleba’s strength on the ball and off it will be for United.
“He’s very strong on the ball, strong off the ball as well, very technical,” he added.
“He’s powerful. So, yeah, he’ll help us. And he’s got a different profile to what we have already. So, it’s going to be good.”
Tielemans could not be more accurate with his assessment, as Carrick will now have a much wider depth in midfield availability with Baleba among his picks. Casemiro’s absence has been felt in the 2026-27 campaign after the former Real Madrid star’s physical presence on the ball and off it.
Casemiro, who left Old Trafford in the summer after his Man Utd contract expired, might not have had the same legs that he once did in his prime. However, the 34-year-old Inter Miami midfielder’s physicality was incredibly important — and visible — in his midfield pairing with Kobbie Mainoo.
Whereas Casemiro struggled with his pace, Baleba’s strength will be combined with his other core abilities. BBC Sport spoke to unnamed Man Utd sources and found the Red Devils’ analysis of Baleba was that he was “very quick” and covers the pitch “really well.”
Baleba might not rescue Man Utd’s season on his own, but the Red Devils summer signing is primed to impact the team’s playing style under Carrick’s tactics. It’s only a matter of time before his qualities shine through in the United midfield, combining his strength and pace in a way Casemiro could no longer do.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/t9Z5Od1