Baleba’s £65m move stalls as United face six‑game wait

Carlos Baleba completed a £65 million transfer to Manchester United last week, but an ankle injury will keep him out for up to three weeks, delaying his debut at Old Trafford.

Injury setback pushes debut

Baleba suffered an ankle‑ligament injury while training with Brighton in July, missing a friendly against Strasbourg and the subsequent games against Roma and Bologna. Michael Carrick confirmed on Friday that the 22‑year‑old midfielder remains two to three weeks away from action, meaning he could miss United’s opening fixtures.

Midfield rebuild drives £150m spend

The Cameroon international was the final piece of United’s midfield overhaul, joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as part of a £150 million revamp in the centre of the park. Carrick praised Baleba’s “huge potential” and said his athleticism will complement the existing midfield trio.

Missing games and future impact

Baleba could sit out six matches, including the home game against Ipswich Town on 30 August, an away clash with Everton on 6 September, a Champions League tie (date TBC), a home fixture versus Manchester City on 13 September, a Carabao Cup third‑round tie (date TBC) and the away game at Fulham on 20 September. United may consider holding him until after the international break, with a possible return against Tottenham on 10 October.

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Michael Carrick told a press conference, “maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, we’ll see… we’re delighted with Carlos. I think huge potential, massive potential. It’s a really exciting signing for us.”

United also lost Amad Diallo to an ankle injury that could sideline him for six weeks, and Carrick admitted Diallo will be out “a little longer” than Baleba.

Baleba’s delayed arrival means United must rely on Santos, Tielemans and other options for the early season, while the midfielder gains valuable recovery time before joining a midfield that United hope will become a long‑term solution.