Michael Carrick is set to welcome Carlos Baleba back into the Manchester United squad after the international break, with the midfielder now closing in on his long-awaited competitive debut for the club.
Baleba has been one of the most anticipated new arrivals at Old Trafford this season, but an ankle injury suffered before completing his move from Brighton has delayed his first appearance in a Manchester United shirt. Carrick has already provided positive updates on the Cameroon international, and the expectation is that he should be in good condition to play once the Premier League resumes. Manchester United’s own website previously reported that Carrick expected Baleba to be available after the extended international break.
The return of Baleba could come at an important moment for Manchester United. Carrick’s team have endured a difficult beginning to the 2026/27 campaign, and the manager will be hoping that the return of several players from injury can provide a significant boost. Baleba, in particular, is expected to bring additional physicality, defensive protection and energy to a midfield that has sometimes struggled to control matches.
The former Brighton midfielder arrived at Old Trafford with considerable expectations after Manchester United agreed a deal reported at around £65m-£70m. However, his injury meant that supporters have had to wait longer than expected to see what he can offer. Carrick has made it clear that Baleba was not signed simply to add another body to the squad. According to the United manager, the midfielder was brought in because of his quality and because he can improve the balance of the midfield.
That makes his return particularly significant. Manchester United have already used different combinations in midfield during Baleba’s absence, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo among the players being considered for important roles. Baleba’s availability gives Carrick another option and potentially allows the manager to build a midfield capable of competing more effectively physically while also providing greater protection to the defence.
Carrick had previously indicated that Baleba was desperate to return to full training and become part of the group. The manager explained that the midfielder had been working his way back after arriving injured and was eager to train fully with his new teammates. Carrick also highlighted the way Baleba could complement the existing midfield options, saying that he balances the dynamics of the midfield particularly well.
That assessment could become increasingly important as Manchester United enter a demanding period of the season. Their first Premier League fixture after the international break is scheduled to be a home match against Tottenham Hotspur on October 10, giving Baleba an opportunity to make his competitive debut if he completes his recovery and satisfies the medical and coaching staff. Reports have identified that fixture as a potential return date for the 22-year-old.
For Carrick, however, Baleba’s return will not simply be about putting a new signing onto the pitch. The manager will need to decide how quickly the midfielder can be integrated into the starting XI after a prolonged period without competitive football. Although Baleba has been progressing with his recovery, match fitness is different from simply being medically fit, meaning Carrick may choose to introduce him gradually.
The international break has therefore provided valuable time. Rather than immediately throwing Baleba into a Premier League match without sufficient preparation, Manchester United have been able to give him additional time to train, rebuild his fitness and develop an understanding with the players around him. Reports have indicated that Baleba has continued his recovery during the break, making the period particularly important for his return.
There is also the question of how Baleba will fit alongside Mainoo. Manchester United have several midfield options, but the combination of Baleba’s defensive qualities and Mainoo’s ability to carry the ball could give Carrick an interesting alternative. The manager will ultimately decide whether the pair can operate effectively together, but Baleba’s arrival gives United another tactical possibility that was unavailable during the opening weeks of the campaign.
The need for greater midfield stability has been highlighted by United’s inconsistent start. At the first international break, the club had collected five points from their opening five Premier League matches and had also suffered an early Carabao Cup elimination. Reports have nevertheless indicated that the club continues to have confidence in Carrick, while the manager remains focused on improving the team’s performances.
Baleba’s return therefore arrives at an interesting time. Manchester United need improvements across the team, but the midfield remains an especially important area because it influences both defensive protection and attacking transitions. A midfielder with Baleba’s physical profile could potentially give Carrick another way of dealing with opponents who attempt to dominate the centre of the pitch.
The timing of his return could also be important because United face a busy schedule after the international break. Following Tottenham, the club have European commitments and further Premier League fixtures, meaning Carrick will need as many reliable options as possible. The return of injured players could allow the manager to rotate his squad more effectively and reduce the pressure on players who have carried much of the workload during the opening weeks.
For Baleba himself, the priority will be to finally make his Manchester United debut. Moving from Brighton to one of the biggest clubs in English football represents a major step in his career, and the midfielder will be aware that expectations will be high from the moment he takes the field. His lengthy wait has only increased the anticipation surrounding his first appearance.
The fact that he arrived with an injury makes his situation slightly different from that of a normal new signing. While other players have already had the opportunity to establish themselves, Baleba has had to watch from the sidelines and complete his rehabilitation. Carrick’s comments suggest, however, that the club have been patient because they want the midfielder to return properly rather than rush him back and risk another setback.
Manchester United supporters will consequently be watching his progress closely. The expectation is not that Baleba will solve every problem immediately, but his return could give Carrick an additional midfield option at a time when the team needs greater consistency.
There is also an important psychological aspect to his return. New signings often need time to adapt to a new club, new teammates and a different tactical environment. Baleba has not yet been able to experience that adaptation on the pitch. His first training sessions with the full squad after the break will therefore be important as Carrick begins to understand how the midfielder fits into his tactical plans.
Carrick has already spoken positively about Baleba’s qualities, and his comments suggest that the manager has a clear idea of what he wants from the player. The next step is translating those expectations into competitive football. If Baleba can maintain his fitness and adapt quickly, he could become an important part of United’s midfield during the months ahead.
The Tottenham match could consequently carry additional significance. It is already an important fixture for United following their difficult opening to the season, and Baleba’s potential debut would add another storyline. A first appearance at Old Trafford would give supporters their first opportunity to judge the midfielder for themselves after weeks of anticipation.
Still, Carrick is likely to be careful. The priority will be making sure Baleba is physically ready and capable of handling the intensity of Premier League football. A gradual introduction, perhaps through limited minutes before eventually becoming a regular starter, would allow the coaching staff to manage his workload.
Ultimately, the international break has given Carlos Baleba something he desperately needed: time. Time to recover, time to train, time to build fitness and time to prepare himself for life at Manchester United. Carrick now appears increasingly likely to have his major midfield signing available when club football resumes.
For Manchester United, Baleba’s return represents more than simply another name being added to the team sheet. It gives Carrick another tactical weapon, strengthens competition for midfield places and potentially provides the defensive and physical qualities the manager believes can improve the balance of his team.
After weeks of waiting, the focus will now turn to whether Baleba can finally step onto the Old Trafford pitch and begin his Manchester United story. Carrick has already made it clear that he is looking forward to having the midfielder available. With the international break nearing its end, the wait for Baleba’s debut could finally be coming to an end.