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5 hours ago
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This has been a torrid week for Manchester United, and certainly the worst since Michael Carrick took charge of the first team.
After losing a controversial Manchester derby 1-0 at Old Trafford to 10-man Manchester City, United contrived to throw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup. It was the first time in 50 years they achieved such a feat in a home game.
Combined with the news of academy prospect J.J. Gabriel asking to leave, this has been a chastening few days for Carrick and the club. What they need is some good news.
Well, on Friday, a tonic arrived. Carlos Baleba, a big-money signing from Brighton this summer, may at last be ready to make his debut — perhaps even as early as this weekend, when United face a potentially must-win game against Fulham.
MORE: Why United signed Baleba to complete $200m bargain midfield rebuild
Will Carlos Baleba play for Man United vs. Fulham?
Speculation emerged on September 18 that Baleba could be available to face Fulham in the Premier League two days later.
The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell wrote that there was a chance the midfielder would be in the matchday squad, although he added that the club is keen to be careful to manage his recovery from an ankle injury, which means he may not join up with Cameroon in the international break.
Carrick is expected to offer an update at his pre-match media conference at 1:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. ET) on Friday.
What is Carlos Baleba's injury?
Baleba sustained an ankle-ligament injury during preseason with Brighton, which is why he is yet to play for United. The Red Devils proceeded with the transfer anyway as the problem was not believed to be long-term.
Baleba had one or two muscle issues last season, although he only missed three Premier League matches aside from the five for which he was unavailable while with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations. He only completed 90 minutes three times, however, as he found it difficult to sustain form following a failed attempt to secure a move to United earlier.
How much did Man United pay for Carlos Baleba?
United signed Baleba for a fee of £65 million ($88.6m) plus a potential £5m ($6.8m) in possible add-ons, according to ESPN.
This was significantly lower than the £100m-plus ($134m) that Brighton had reportedly demanded a year earlier.
What is Carlos Baleba's best position?
Baleba is a central midfielder, one mostly seen as a defensive player. He was effectively brought in to replace Casemiro, who left at the end of his contract and signed for Inter Miami.
At his best, Baleba combines speed, positional awareness and combative tackling, which he demonstrated for Brighton initially under Roberto De Zerbi. He is also an effective ball-carrier, one able to move quickly in possession when under pressure. United's midfield lacks pace in particular, so Baleba could make a big difference.
It is likely the 22-year-old will be played in the double pivot in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 system, alongside either Youri Tielemans or Kobbie Mainoo.
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