Baleba, the €80 million purchase that still hasn't debuted at United

On a gray October afternoon, the pitch at Old Trafford remained empty as 22‑year‑old Carlos Baleba walked through the main entrance. He arrived at the club in August after an €80 million deal with Brighton & Hove Albion, but an injury suffered in Austria prevents him from debuting under Michael Carrick's management.

Manchester United reached the agreement this summer to sign 22‑year‑old Carlos Baleba for €80 million from Brighton & Hove Albion. The deal made him the club's most expensive signing of the current summer window.

Baleba arrived at Old Trafford in August, but he has not yet been able to debut for the side managed by Michael Carrick. The player was recovering from an injury sustained during the pre‑season camp in Austria with Brighton's “Seagulls”.

The ailment has kept the Cameroonian out of United's commitments since his arrival. During the international break, he has remained in England to complete his rehabilitation.

Individual training plan

According to The Athletic, Carrick and his coaching staff devised an individual training programme to accelerate Baleba's recovery. The aim is for the midfielder to debut when the Premier League resumes matches after the international window.

The staff have praised the player's work ethic, deeming him capable of adding balance and solidity to the midfield. His arrival comes after the departure of Casemiro, leaving a void that United hopes to fill.

Journalist Marc Canosa reported that the injury Manchester United was dealing with continues to limit Baleba's availability. So far, the player has not featured in any official commitment for the club.

With an €80 million investment, Baleba's wait heightens the pressure on United to justify the outlay. His debut will be a benchmark to assess the impact of the signing in the next phase of the season.