Overview
- Baleba made his first appearance in a Manchester United shirt on Friday in a behind-closed-doors 2-1 friendly at Carrington against Lausanne-Sport, marking his first run-out since joining from Brighton.
- The 22-year-old arrived with an ankle ligament issue that delayed his debut, but reports say he has recovered faster than expected and has impressed United coaches during training and the friendly.
- Matthijs de Ligt started the same Carrington friendly as part of his return from a long-term back problem, giving the club a senior defensive option for the first time since he last played in November.
- Both players are now described as being closer to selection for the Oct. 10 Tottenham match, though any inclusion will depend on fitness checks and careful minutes management.
- United still face a wider availability squeeze after the international break, with multiple players monitored or withdrawn from camps, and Carrick must balance short-term picks for Spurs with squad rotation for upcoming Champions League fixtures.