Pep Guardiola has reportedly suggested that Manchester United could continue to struggle this season until Carlos Baleba finally returns to full fitness, with the midfielder’s absence increasingly being viewed as one of the biggest problems facing Michael Carrick’s side.
Manchester United invested heavily in Baleba during the summer transfer window, bringing the Cameroon international to Old Trafford from Brighton in a major deal. However, supporters have been forced to wait for his competitive debut after the midfielder arrived carrying an ankle injury.
The timing could hardly have been worse for United.
Carrick’s side have endured a difficult opening period to the 2026/27 campaign, and the lack of control in midfield has become one of the major talking points surrounding the team. United have struggled to maintain intensity, dominate possession for sustained periods and control matches when opponents increase the pressure.
Baleba was specifically recruited to address some of those problems.
The midfielder’s physical presence, ability to carry the ball and defensive qualities were considered important reasons behind United’s decision to invest heavily in him. His absence has therefore left Carrick without a player many expected to become a central figure in the team’s midfield.
Recent reports indicate that Baleba is making progress in his recovery and could be available after the international break. Manchester United have said that he is closing in on a return, while Carrick has indicated that the midfielder should be back around the group and in good shape for the period ahead.
That has created considerable anticipation among supporters.
United’s recent results have only increased the excitement surrounding Baleba’s eventual return.
The team followed defeats against Manchester City and Brighton with a 1–1 draw against Fulham, leaving Carrick’s side with five points from their opening five Premier League matches. United created 29 attempts against Fulham but were unable to convert that attacking pressure into a victory.
The midfield has been particularly scrutinised.
United have often struggled to turn possession into sustained pressure, while opponents have found opportunities to run through the middle of the pitch. The absence of a physically dominant midfielder capable of winning challenges, protecting the defence and progressing the ball has therefore become a recurring discussion.
This is where Baleba could potentially make a significant difference.
The former Brighton midfielder is not expected to solve every problem at Old Trafford on his own, but his characteristics could give Carrick another option in the centre of the pitch.
Baleba’s ability to cover ground could allow United’s attacking midfielders to operate with greater freedom. His strength in duels could provide additional protection for the defence, while his ability to carry the ball could help United transition from defence into attack more quickly.
That is precisely why his arrival generated so much excitement.
United did not spend such a substantial fee on Baleba simply to add another squad player. The club identified him as a midfielder capable of becoming an important part of the team’s future.
His injury has therefore forced Carrick to begin the season without one of his biggest summer additions.
Reports in August suggested that Baleba’s ankle problem could keep him out for several weeks. At the time, Carrick indicated that the midfielder might need around two or three weeks before returning, although his recovery ultimately took longer.
Now, however, the situation appears to be moving in a positive direction.
Manchester United’s official update said Baleba had been working hard to regain fitness and that Carrick expected him to be available after the extended international break. The manager also highlighted the midfielder’s quality and said he could balance the dynamics of the midfield particularly well.
That statement has given supporters another reason to believe that the midfielder could become an important part of United’s season.
But there is also a danger in placing too much responsibility on one player.
Manchester United’s problems are bigger than the absence of Baleba.
The team’s recent performances have exposed issues in several areas of the pitch. United have struggled with consistency, while Carrick has faced questions about his tactical decisions and the team’s ability to maintain intensity throughout matches.
The 1–1 draw with Fulham highlighted those concerns.
Despite creating numerous chances, United were unable to take control of the contest. Fulham eventually took the lead through a Lisandro Martínez own goal before Matheus Cunha rescued United with a late deflected equaliser.
Carrick has acknowledged that his team needs to improve, but he has also insisted that the players are showing fight and that the solution must come collectively rather than through blaming individual players.
Baleba’s return could nevertheless provide an important tactical boost.
Imagine a midfield in which Baleba is responsible for winning physical battles and protecting the defence while other players are given greater freedom to move forward.
That could potentially change the way United approach matches.
Instead of relying heavily on individual moments from their attackers, United could have a stronger platform from which to build attacks.
The midfielder could also become particularly important in difficult away matches, where United need players capable of resisting pressure and winning second balls.
There is also the psychological impact of his return.
A major summer signing finally making his debut can provide a lift to the entire squad. Players know that competition for places is increasing, while supporters become more optimistic about the possibilities available to the manager.
Baleba’s return would therefore represent more than simply another player becoming available.
It would give Carrick another tactical weapon.
It could also change the competition for places in midfield.
Players who have started regularly during Baleba’s absence may suddenly find themselves competing for minutes. That competition could force everyone to raise their performances.
For United, that could be particularly important during a season in which expectations remain extremely high.
The club’s supporters are demanding a return to consistent Champions League-level football, and every poor result increases the pressure on Carrick and his squad.
The manager therefore needs solutions quickly.
Baleba could be one of those solutions, but United cannot afford to wait for him before addressing their problems.
The team must continue improving regardless of his availability.
At the same time, there is understandable excitement surrounding what his arrival could mean.
The midfielder has already developed a reputation for his physical strength and ability to cover large areas of the pitch. His time at Brighton demonstrated why United were willing to make such a significant investment in him.
Now the question is whether he can immediately translate those qualities to Old Trafford.
His first few appearances will therefore attract enormous attention.
Supporters will be watching to see whether he can provide the physicality and control that have sometimes been missing from United’s midfield.
Carrick will also have to manage his return carefully.
After spending weeks recovering from an ankle problem, Baleba cannot simply be thrown into every match immediately. The coaching staff will need to ensure that he regains his rhythm and match fitness gradually.
That could mean limited minutes initially before he eventually becomes a regular starter.
Nevertheless, his return is becoming one of the most anticipated moments of United’s season.
Manchester United need improvement.
Carrick needs solutions.
And Baleba could provide one of them.
While the claim that Guardiola has predicted United will suffer until Baleba returns should be treated as an unverified storyline rather than a confirmed quote, the underlying football argument is clear: United have missed a major summer signing, and his eventual return could significantly alter the balance of Carrick’s midfield.
The pressure will remain on United until their performances improve.
Baleba may help.
But the responsibility for changing Manchester United’s season will ultimately belong to the entire squad.