Jose Mourinho has reportedly warned that Manchester United could face a difficult period this season if Carlos Baleba remains unavailable for an extended spell, with the Portuguese manager believed to be concerned about the impact of the midfielder’s absence on Michael Carrick’s side.
Baleba was brought in to provide greater physicality, defensive strength and energy in the centre of the pitch, and his absence could leave United without one of the players expected to give the team greater balance. According to the reported assessment, Mourinho believes United may continue struggling for consistency until the Cameroon international returns to full fitness and becomes available for selection.
The situation has attracted significant attention because Manchester United invested heavily in Baleba after identifying midfield as one of the most important areas that needed strengthening. The club wanted a player capable of covering ground, winning challenges and protecting the defence while also helping the team progress the ball through midfield. Baleba was expected to bring an intensity that could change the way United approach difficult matches, particularly against opponents who attempt to dominate the centre of the pitch. His current absence therefore represents more than simply losing another squad player, with his profile considered particularly important to the tactical structure Carrick is attempting to build.
Mourinho’s reported warning comes at a time when Manchester United are still trying to establish consistency under Carrick. The manager has inherited a squad undergoing significant changes, with several new players expected to adapt to different tactical demands while established members of the team attempt to adjust to a new system. United have shown encouraging moments but have also displayed weaknesses, particularly when trying to protect leads and control matches for long periods. The dramatic draw against Everton, in which United surrendered a late advantage, has only increased questions about whether the team currently possesses enough physical and defensive control in midfield.
Baleba was expected to address some of those concerns. His ability to cover significant areas of the pitch makes him particularly valuable to a team that wants to press aggressively without leaving the defence exposed. The midfielder can provide protection when full-backs move forward, challenge opponents for possession and use his physical strength to disrupt attacks before they reach the defensive line. Those qualities could be especially important for United, who have occasionally struggled to maintain control after taking the lead. Without Baleba available, Carrick may have to rely on alternative combinations that offer different qualities but may not provide exactly the same physical presence.
The reported Mourinho assessment has consequently generated debate among Manchester United supporters, with many fans already discussing how different the team could look once Baleba is back. Some believe his return could immediately improve United’s defensive structure, while others argue that the problems facing Carrick’s side are much broader than the absence of one midfielder. United still have several talented players capable of contributing in midfield, meaning Baleba’s return should not be viewed as a magical solution to every problem. Nevertheless, his particular skill set could give Carrick another tactical weapon and allow the manager to make changes that are currently difficult to implement.
One of the biggest issues for Carrick is finding the right balance between attack and defence. Manchester United want to play with ambition, but committing too many players forward can leave spaces for opponents to exploit. Baleba’s athleticism could allow the manager to take greater risks because the midfielder has the ability to recover his position quickly and provide cover when possession is lost. His presence could also give more freedom to creative players because they would have greater protection behind them. That could potentially change the effectiveness of the entire midfield rather than simply improving one position.
Andrey Santos is another player whose situation could be influenced by Baleba’s return. Santos arrived at Manchester United with considerable expectations and has been competing for midfield minutes, but the increased competition means Carrick will have difficult decisions to make. If Baleba becomes available and immediately establishes himself as one of the manager’s preferred options, Santos may have to fight even harder for a starting position. At the same time, the two players could potentially operate together if Carrick believes their different qualities complement each other. A midfield featuring Baleba’s athleticism and Santos’ energy could provide United with a more aggressive platform from which to control matches.
Mourinho’s reported comments also highlight the importance of squad depth. Manchester United cannot afford to depend entirely on one player if they want to compete across multiple competitions. The Premier League schedule is demanding, while European football and domestic cup matches can create periods in which players are required to play several times within a short period. Injuries are inevitable, and successful teams must have alternatives capable of maintaining the manager’s tactical approach. Baleba’s absence could therefore be viewed as an opportunity for other midfielders to demonstrate that United have enough depth to compete even when one of their major signings is unavailable.
Carrick will now be under pressure to find solutions until Baleba returns. The manager cannot simply wait for an injured player to solve problems that exist in the present. He must find a midfield combination capable of controlling matches, protecting the defence and supporting United’s attacking players. That could mean giving greater responsibility to existing midfielders or changing the team’s formation. Carrick may also have to adjust his pressing strategy to ensure that United do not expose themselves defensively when they lose possession.
The return of Baleba will therefore be eagerly anticipated by supporters, particularly if United continue experiencing difficulties in midfield. His first appearance after recovering from injury could attract enormous attention because fans will want to see whether he can immediately make the difference expected of him. However, Carrick will also have to manage his return carefully. A player coming back from injury cannot necessarily be expected to play a full match at maximum intensity immediately, meaning Baleba may initially have to build his minutes gradually before becoming a regular starter.
For Mourinho, who has managed Manchester United in the past, the situation may also be viewed through the experience of understanding the demands placed on midfielders at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager knows that Manchester United need players who can handle pressure and control games when opponents become aggressive. His reported assessment that the club could suffer without Baleba therefore reflects the broader argument that United need greater physical authority in midfield if they are going to compete consistently against the strongest teams in England.
However, it would be dangerous to suggest that United’s entire season depends on one player’s fitness. Manchester United have enough quality throughout the squad to compete while Baleba is absent, and Carrick will be judged on his ability to find solutions rather than simply pointing toward injuries. The manager must ensure that the players currently available understand their responsibilities and are capable of delivering consistent performances. If United can remain competitive during Baleba’s absence, his eventual return could become an additional boost rather than an emergency solution.
The pressure surrounding Baleba is also a reminder of the expectations attached to his transfer. When a club spends a significant amount of money on a young midfielder, supporters naturally expect him to make a substantial contribution. Baleba will therefore be judged closely from the moment he returns. His performances will determine whether Mourinho’s reported assessment looks justified or whether Carrick can prove that United are capable of succeeding without him.
For now, Manchester United’s priority must be to collect points and build momentum while waiting for their injured players to return. Carrick cannot afford to allow the absence of Baleba to become an excuse for poor performances. Every match provides another opportunity for the available midfielders to demonstrate their quality, and competition for places could ultimately make the squad stronger. When Baleba eventually returns, Carrick could then have the luxury of choosing between several midfield combinations rather than relying on a single formula.
The coming weeks will therefore be crucial for Manchester United. If the team continues to struggle defensively and loses control of matches, calls for Baleba’s return will become even louder. If Carrick manages to solve the problems with the players currently available, the pressure could ease significantly. Either way, Baleba’s eventual comeback is expected to be one of the most closely watched developments around the club, with supporters eager to see whether his physical presence can provide the midfield stability that United have been searching for.
Mourinho’s reported warning has consequently added another layer to the growing discussion surrounding Manchester United’s midfield. Baleba may not be the solution to every problem, but his qualities could prove extremely valuable to Carrick’s system. Until he returns, the manager must find another way to provide the strength, mobility and defensive protection that the Cameroon midfielder was expected to bring. Manchester United’s ability to navigate this period could have a major influence on their season, and when Baleba finally returns, Carrick will hope that the midfielder can provide the spark needed to push the team to another level.