He'll need six months to adapt at Manchester United, says Sheringham

Sixty‑year‑old England legend Teddy Sheringham told reporters at Old Trafford that Manchester United’s £70 million signing Carlos Baleba will need six months to adapt, noting the Cameroonian midfielder faces unprecedented pressure at the club. He added that the adjustment period could stretch well beyond his debut, which Carrick expects within the next two weeks.

Baleba arrived from Brighton as a 22‑year‑old replacement for the recently departed veteran midfielder Casemiro. The Cameroonian cost Manchester United £70 million and is expected to make his debut in the coming weeks.

Baleba's adaptation challenge

Sheringham stated that the Cameroonian will have to reckon with a newfound pressure at Manchester United, having never played previously for a club of the Red Devils’ stature. “I’m not sold on Carlos Baleba – we’ve not seen him play at a club with the pressure of Man United yet, so it’ll take six months or so before we can get a real idea,” he said.

Michael Carrick revealed last week that Baleba’s debut is anticipated within 10‑14 days, making his first match for the Red Devils likely to be either a Premier League or Carabao Cup fixture.

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Baleba’s last competitive game came against Manchester United in matchweek 38 of the Premier League season, when Brighton lost 3‑0. He made 31 top‑flight appearances for the Seagulls last term.

Midfield competition

Sheringham compared Baleba’s settling‑in period with that of another midfield signing, Youri Tielemans, who has started all three of Manchester United’s opening fixtures. Tielemans’ standout performance arrived versus Ipswich in the club’s 5‑2 home win.

The former England international Kobbie Mainoo was also mentioned as a possible foil for the Cameroonian. Sheringham believes Mainoo could keep Baleba out of the team, saying the midfielder might have to bide his time until an opportunity arises.

Finally, Sheringham highlighted the huge pressure facing permanent manager Michael Carrick in the coming seasons. The Red Devils return to Premier League action after their Thursday Champions League clash with Sabah FK, in the Manchester derby on Sunday at Old Trafford.