Baleba Set for Manchester United Debut After October International Break

Carlos Baleba is getting closer to his first official Manchester United appearance. The Cameroon midfielder has been managing an ankle issue since completing his move from Brighton this summer, but Michael Carrick has suggested that wait could end in October, when United face Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Speaking to the media, Carrick confirmed that Baleba will return to training with his teammates over the next week. That timeline rules him out of United's next two fixtures, but it leaves him well positioned for the period after the international break, when the club welcomes Tottenham before travelling to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Baleba to Rejoin Full Training Next Week

The 22-year-old has recovered as planned from the ankle setback that has kept him sidelined since his arrival. Carrick detailed that Baleba will be back among the group in the coming days, raising the possibility of a first competitive outing once the October fixtures resume.

Carlos came in injured and is desperate to get out there, be part of the group and train fully with the boys. He is a quality player, that is why we brought him in, and he balances the midfield really well.

United made Baleba the club's most expensive recruit of the summer with an initial outlay of around £65 million. He was signed to add power, presence and ball-carrying ability to a midfield that has needed exactly that profile as Carrick reshapes the squad.

No Brighton Reunion in the Carabao Cup

Wednesday night brings a Carabao Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford, but Baleba will not face his former club. Carrick has made clear that the midfielder is not ready for that fixture, meaning the emotional reunion with his old teammates must wait for another day.

Sunday's Premier League meeting with Fulham also comes too soon. The plan points firmly towards a post-break return, with two massive fixtures waiting: Tottenham in the league and Atletico Madrid in Europe.

More Fitness Doubts for Carrick Ahead of Brighton Cup Tie

Beyond Baleba, United are monitoring several other players before Wednesday's cup match. Amad Diallo is not close to returning just yet and will be assessed again as the week unfolds. Matthijs de Ligt is working his way back more slowly after a back problem that has ruled him out since November.

At left-back, Luke Shaw has missed United's last two matches with a minor issue. Carrick says the problem is not serious and Shaw could even be available against Brighton, though the call is not clear-cut. Patrick Dorgu has filled in well on that side, impressing against Sabah and Manchester City.

Carabao Cup Offers Carrick First Shot at Silverware

Carrick is not hiding his ambition. Wednesday's tie is a direct route to the first trophy of his tenure, and the United head coach has spoken openly about why winning matters at Old Trafford. He wants his players and the supporters to feel what it means to lift silverware again.

Trophies are the beauty and the feeling of winning. It is what we are in football for, in sport for, and certainly what I am at this club for: to try to win.

With a demanding fixture list ahead, the Carabao Cup represents a shorter road to success for a United project still taking shape. A trophy this season would give Carrick's rebuild serious momentum.

What Baleba Brings to United's Midfield

Baleba arrives as a complete midfielder with the physical edge United have craved. At Brighton he showed an ability to break up play, carry the ball through midfield and link defence with attack. That skill set is exactly why United invested so heavily before he had even kicked a ball for the club.