Manchester United have received a positive update ahead of the Premier League’s return, with Carlos Baleba reportedly taking another step toward his long-awaited debut for the club.
The Cameroon midfielder was involved in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport on Friday, October 2, 2026, according to a report from the Daily Mail.
Baleba’s involvement could be an important development for Michael Carrick as Manchester United prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur on October 10. The Red Devils will be looking to secure their second Premier League victory of the season, while Baleba’s potential return could provide another option in midfield.
Carlos Baleba Takes Another Step Toward His Comeback
Baleba has yet to make his competitive debut for Manchester United since joining from Brighton and Hove Albion during the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old midfielder arrived for a reported £70 million fee but was forced to spend the opening part of the season on the sidelines because of injury.
There had already been signs of progress before the international break.
Baleba was included among the substitutes when Manchester United faced Fulham, suggesting that his recovery had reached an advanced stage.
His appearance in the closed-door fixture against Lausanne-Sport represents another positive step.
Although it does not automatically mean Baleba will be ready to start against Tottenham, his involvement gives Carrick another reason for optimism.
The midfielder’s return is particularly significant because Manchester United’s midfield has been one of the areas under scrutiny during the early stages of the season.
Why Manchester United Need Baleba
Manchester United have relied on players such as Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield.
However, the existing options have not consistently provided the level of mobility and influence in possession that the team needs.
Kobbie Mainoo has also faced similar challenges as United look for greater balance in the middle of the pitch.
This is where Baleba could potentially make a difference.
The Cameroon international offers a physical presence and the ability to cover significant areas of the pitch. His characteristics could provide Manchester United with greater energy when pressing and more protection when the team loses possession.
Some of the qualities United could benefit from include:
- Physical strength in midfield duels
- Greater mobility across the middle of the pitch
- Ability to support pressing
- Capacity to close spaces defensively
- Additional options when building play
However, Baleba’s availability will ultimately depend on his physical condition after his injury.
Baleba Could Be Important Against Tottenham
Manchester United will face Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10.
Tottenham currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, but their position does not necessarily make the fixture straightforward for United.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side could look to target areas where Manchester United have struggled, particularly in midfield.
United’s ability to maintain their shape and prevent opponents from finding space between the lines could therefore be crucial.
Baleba’s physical attributes could potentially help in that area.
His ability to press, compete for possession and close down spaces could give Manchester United an additional tool against Tottenham’s midfield.
For Carrick, however, the priority should be ensuring that Baleba is genuinely ready rather than rushing him back simply because of the importance of the fixture.
His participation against Lausanne-Sport is encouraging, but the next stage of his recovery will determine how much responsibility he can handle.
Michael Carrick Still Has Plenty to Fix
Baleba’s potential return would give Manchester United another midfield option, but his availability would not solve every problem facing the team.
Carrick still has several areas that require attention.
One issue is the lack of a natural option on the left wing. Manchester United also need greater consistency in defence, with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw among the players whose performances have attracted attention.
Beyond individual players, tactical organisation remains another important area.
Manchester United need to improve the distances between players when they lose possession. If the structure becomes stretched, opponents can exploit the spaces between midfield and defence.
A more compact defensive shape would help the team recover possession and limit the number of opportunities opponents can create.
That means Baleba’s return should be viewed as one potential solution rather than a complete answer to United’s problems.
What Baleba Could Add to Manchester United
If he is cleared to play against Tottenham, Baleba could give Carrick more flexibility in midfield.
His physical qualities may allow United to approach the game with greater intensity, particularly when attempting to win the ball back.
At the same time, his presence could provide another option for managing the tempo of the match.
The biggest question is how much playing time Baleba can handle after missing the beginning of the season.
His involvement in the closed-door game against Lausanne-Sport is a positive indication, but Manchester United will still need to assess his condition carefully before making a final decision.
Key points ahead of Manchester United vs Tottenham:
- Carlos Baleba took part in a closed-door match against Lausanne-Sport.
- The midfielder has yet to make his competitive debut for Manchester United.
- Baleba joined from Brighton and Hove Albion for £70 million.
- He was previously named among the substitutes against Fulham.
- Manchester United have identified midfield balance as an area requiring improvement.
- Baleba could provide additional physicality and mobility if fit.
- Carrick still has tactical and squad issues to address before facing Tottenham.
Manchester United Receive a Welcome Boost
Carlos Baleba’s involvement in the match against Lausanne-Sport represents encouraging news for Manchester United.
After missing the opening part of the campaign through injury, the midfielder is now moving closer to making his competitive debut for the Red Devils.
His return could come at an important time for Carrick, with Tottenham waiting at Old Trafford when Premier League action resumes.
Still, Manchester United will need more than one returning player to address their wider issues.
Carrick must find the right midfield balance, improve the team’s defensive structure and ensure the squad operates more cohesively without the ball.
If Baleba is fit enough to contribute, his return could give United another valuable option. The question now is whether the Cameroon midfielder can make his long-awaited debut against Tottenham.
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