United get injury lift as Baleba features in closed‑door friendly

On Friday at Carrington, Man United gave a welcome injury lift as 22‑year‑old Carlos Baleba – the £70 million summer signing from Brighton – took part in a behind‑closed‑doors friendly against Swiss side Lausanne‑Sport, a development manager Michael Carrick hailed as crucial ahead of the international break.

Baleba arrived at Manchester United carrying an ankle injury that kept him out of United’s opening matches. He was named on the bench for the 1‑1 draw with Fulham before the break but remained unused. Carrick later said the midfielder was ‘pushing to get back as quickly as possible’. Man United supporters have been anticipating his debut.

Friendly result and squad involvement

United reportedly edged Lausanne‑Sport 2‑1 in the closed‑door encounter, a match against the club’s sister side. Senior figures Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha featured, while a host of younger players – Jacey Carrick, Amir Ibragimov, Yuel Helafu and Victor Musa – also earned minutes, alongside Diego Leon and Enzo Kana‑Biyik.

The game also marked a milestone in Baleba’s recovery, with the midfielder working through a tailored training programme before making his first appearance in a Manchester United shirt. The fixture gave United a first‑hand look at on‑loan prospect Sekou Kone, while Lausanne fielded former United defender Tyler Fredricson.

Injury concerns across the squad

United’s injury list remains long. Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal’s clash with Norway due to a ‘complicated’ shin problem but returned to start the 4‑2 win over Norway, a situation described by Portugal manager Jorge Jesus. Noussair Mazraoui hobbled off for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations tie with Lesotho after a 68th‑minute tackle, signalling immediate discomfort.

England internationals Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo withdrew from duty before the break, and Amad Diallo, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu are also listed as fitness concerns. Further doubts linger over Dorgu and Mazraoui’s availability after their recent international outings. The club is frequently referred to by the initials MAN in official communications.

Upcoming Tottenham clash

United return to Premier League action on 10 October, hosting Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Carrick will be hoping Baleba can contribute after his training programme, while the club continues to assess the fitness of the injured players ahead of the fixture.