Michael Carrick has shared that Carlos Baleba is “full of energy” as he aims to make his Manchester United debut before the upcoming international break.
Baleba transferred to United from Brighton this summer in a deal worth approximately £65 million, but he has yet to play for the team due to an injury sustained in pre-season.
During his time at Brighton, no player made more tackles than Baleba’s 100 across all competitions since his debut, while he ranked second in duels won (469) and interceptions (117), just behind Jan Paul van Hecke.
Manchester United is scheduled to face Fulham this Sunday in their last match before the international break, and Carrick hinted that Baleba might debut at Craven Cottage.
“We’re in a good place,” Carrick stated regarding his squad. “Everyone is fit and ready to go, you know?”
“In the last week, nearly everyone has been involved and healthy, and we’re looking to reintegrate Carlos.”
Licha left it late against Fulham in 2025 pic.twitter.com/WERSHjTSgI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 19, 2026
“He’s [Baleba] eager to get started and is really enthusiastic! Transitioning to a new club can be challenging, especially when you’re not fully integrated into training.”
“However, he has adapted remarkably, has a fantastic personality, and brings a lot of enthusiasm to the team, pushing himself to return as soon as he can. We’re thrilled to have him back.”
United has only lost one of their last 21 Premier League encounters with Fulham (W16 D4), having suffered a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in February 2024.
That said, United’s accumulation of four points from their first four Premier League matches this season (W1 D1 L2) is the lowest they have achieved at this stage alongside their starts in 1992-93 and 2025-26, although they did recover well in those seasons to finish first and third.
Fan Take: This news is significant as it highlights the potential impact of a talented player like Baleba returning to action, which could help revitalize United’s season. For soccer fans, seeing young talent debut for a club storied in history can signal a shift towards a promising future for the team and the league.
Source: www.soccernews.com
