Carlos Baleba could make his competitive Manchester United debut against Tottenham on Saturday, according to the club’s latest preview. United’s wording is conditional: no debut and no team selection has been announced.
The midfielder is a summer signing who arrived with an injury, and United say he has been working on his fitness at Carrington. Read our earlier report on his first minutes for the club for that background.
Carlos Baleba could face his former coach
Tottenham are led by Roberto De Zerbi, who coached Baleba at Brighton. A competitive debut would therefore bring the midfielder up against a manager he knows, but that remains a possibility rather than a confirmed plan.
The club says Baleba could become the fifth player to make his United debut during Michael Carrick’s time in charge. Tyler Fletcher, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow have already made their first appearances under him.
What to watch for before kick-off
Carrick’s press conference is scheduled for 1.30pm BST on Friday. United expect that briefing to provide the next team-news update ahead of the Saturday game, so any detail about Carlos Baleba should come from there first.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 5.30pm BST on Saturday 10th October. However, fitness work does not guarantee selection for Carlos Baleba or anyone else in a Premier League squad or starting team, because that decision rests with the manager.
Read our United injury round-up before Spurs. Return estimates in that article remain separate from a club-confirmed team sheet.
Source: Manchester United’s official debut preview.
Featured photo: Manchester United / manutd.com. Carlos Baleba at Fulham with the United squad on 20th September; cropped.
Would you start Baleba against Spurs if he is fit?
