Carlos Baleba Back in Man Utd Training After £70m Move
Carlos Baleba has resumed grass training at Manchester United’s Carrington base, putting the club’s £70 million summer recruit on course for his first appearance after the international break.
Key takeaways
- The 22-year-old midfielder has not played for United after arriving with a pre-season injury.
- Baleba joined from Brighton in a deal worth £70 million ($94.3m).
- United expect the Cameroon international to return to the squad within the next week or so.
- Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford will come too early.
- Michael Carrick believes Baleba offers an important balance to United’s midfield.
Debut target after international break
Baleba is working his way back after the fitness issue that delayed his start at Old Trafford. Carrick said the midfielder should soon be back around the first-team group, with his likely availability set for after the international fixtures.
United will not rush him into the meeting with his former club Brighton on Wednesday. The Seagulls travel to Old Trafford for a third-round Carabao Cup match, but Baleba is not expected to be ready in time.
Carrick waits for midfield reinforcement
Baleba is eager to complete his recovery and train fully alongside his new team-mates. Carrick is keen to bring the summer signing into his plans once he is cleared to return.
The United boss views the Cameroon international as a high-quality addition whose profile can improve the side’s midfield mix. Baleba’s return would finally give Carrick the chance to use the player brought in from Brighton as one of the club’s major summer investments.
