Carlos Baleba is reportedly closing in on a return to training as Manchester United continue to monitor the midfielder’s recovery from an ankle injury.
The highly anticipated summer signing has yet to make his competitive debut for the Red Devils after arriving from Brighton, but there is growing optimism that he could take another important step in his rehabilitation this week. Baleba’s absence has been frustrating for United supporters who have been eager to see their new midfield signing in action, particularly after the club invested heavily to bring the Cameroon international to Old Trafford. Michael Carrick previously confirmed that the midfielder had a minor ankle problem and suggested that he could be sidelined for around two to three weeks, while stressing that the issue was not considered a major concern.
The latest development will therefore come as encouraging news for Manchester United, with Baleba potentially moving closer to full training as he works his way back to match fitness. United knew about the ankle problem before completing the transfer, meaning the club did not consider the injury serious enough to prevent them from finalising the deal. Carrick has also made it clear that the priority is to make sure Baleba returns properly rather than rushing him into competitive action before he is ready. That approach is particularly important given the physical demands of Premier League football and the expectations surrounding a player who has joined United for a significant transfer fee.
Baleba’s return to training would represent a major boost for Carrick because the midfielder was signed specifically to add a different dimension to United’s midfield. His physical strength, ability to carry the ball, defensive work and capacity to cover ground make him an intriguing addition to the squad. Carrick believes Baleba possesses qualities that can change the balance of his midfield and provide combinations that were not previously available to him. The manager has already spoken positively about the player’s attributes, explaining that Baleba can bring different strengths to the group.
The timing of Baleba’s recovery is also significant. Reports earlier indicated that United were hopeful of seeing him return around the middle of September, with a possible competitive comeback before the international break if his rehabilitation progresses smoothly. Sky Sports reported that Baleba could be back by mid-September, although Carrick has been careful not to place a firm deadline on his return. That means a return to training this week would not necessarily mean an immediate starting role, but it would put the midfielder much closer to being available for selection.
For Manchester United supporters, the anticipation surrounding Baleba has only increased because of the club’s major investment in midfield during the summer transfer window. His arrival followed the signings of other midfielders, with United attempting to give Carrick more options and greater physicality in the centre of the pitch. Baleba was one of the players United had been strongly interested in for an extended period, and his eventual arrival ended a long-running transfer pursuit. The midfielder reportedly joined in a deal worth up to £70 million, including add-ons, and signed a long-term contract.
The ankle problem meant Baleba was unable to begin his Manchester United career immediately, creating an unusual situation in which supporters were discussing his potential impact before even seeing him play competitively for the club. Nevertheless, his previous performances for Brighton demonstrated why United were willing to make such a significant commitment. His aggressive ball-winning, athleticism and ability to drive forward from midfield have made him one of the most exciting young midfielders associated with the Premier League.
Carrick will now be hoping that Baleba can complete his recovery without suffering any setback. Returning to training is only one stage of the process, and the coaching and medical staff are likely to carefully manage his workload once he is back with the group. The midfielder may initially participate in controlled sessions before gradually increasing his intensity. United will want him to regain sharpness and confidence before considering him for a competitive match.
That cautious approach could be particularly important because Baleba has not played since suffering the ankle issue during pre-season. A player can be medically fit but still require time to regain match rhythm, especially when returning to a demanding league. Carrick therefore has a difficult decision ahead: whether to introduce Baleba gradually from the bench or trust him with a starting role once he is considered fully ready.
There is also considerable excitement about what Baleba could mean for the balance of United’s midfield. His presence could allow Carrick to use a more physically powerful central combination while giving other midfielders greater freedom to influence the game. His defensive instincts could help United protect their back line, while his ability to carry possession could give the team another route through pressure. These qualities were among the reasons United pursued him so strongly.
The midfielder’s potential return is therefore much bigger than simply another injured player coming back into the squad. United supporters see Baleba as an important piece of the club’s new midfield project, and his eventual debut could become one of the most anticipated moments of the early part of the season. The club have already made significant changes in the centre of the pitch, and Baleba’s introduction could give Carrick another tactical option as he continues to shape his side.
There is also the possibility that Baleba’s first appearance could come in a high-profile fixture, depending on how quickly he reaches full fitness. Current reporting has pointed towards a possible return around mid-September, with Manchester City’s September 13 meeting being one potential opportunity if the recovery goes according to plan. However, Carrick has repeatedly indicated that United will not force the issue and will wait until the player is genuinely ready.
For now, the immediate focus will be on Baleba getting back onto the training pitch. If he is able to resume training this week without complications, it would represent a significant step forward after what has been a frustrating start to his Manchester United career. The midfielder will be desperate to put the injury behind him and finally begin showing United supporters why the club made such a substantial investment in his signature.
The expectation around Old Trafford is that Baleba can eventually become a key figure under Carrick. At only 22, he has considerable room for development, while his Premier League experience means he does not need to adapt to the intensity of English football from scratch. What he needs now is simply a clean recovery, consistent training and the opportunity to build his fitness.
Manchester United will consequently be keeping a close eye on his progress over the coming days. A successful return to training would be one of the most positive developments in the club’s current injury situation and could provide Carrick with another major boost as the season develops. Supporters have already waited patiently to see their new midfielder in the famous red shirt, and if Baleba continues to progress as expected, that wait may finally be nearing its end.
For Baleba himself, the objective is clear: get fit, return to full training and then earn his place in Carrick’s starting XI. The competition for midfield positions will be intense, but the qualities he brings are different enough to make him an important option. If he can reproduce the power, energy and defensive aggression that made him such an attractive signing, his eventual return could have a significant impact on Manchester United’s season.