“Manchester United” midfielder Carlos Baleba suffered an injury
Manchester United’s season has taken an awkward turn. Midfielder Carlos Baleba, signed for £70million in the summer to add strength and mobility to the center of Michael Carrick’s side, now looks set for a spell on the sidelines that could stretch into the winter.
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An early sign is alertness. Baleba stood up early in the second half of United’s win against Roma on Tuesday and left the field in visible difficulty. What initially looked set to rule him out of the weekend now threatens to rule him out of a significant chunk of the upcoming schedule, including a trip to Anfield on November 22 and a Champions League clash with Sporting CP three days later.
Baleba injury disrupts midfield plans
For Carrick, this is harmful in ways that go beyond simple existence. Baleba started just five matches after arriving from Brighton, partly because an ankle problem delayed the start of his campaign. Nevertheless, his presence gave a glimpse of the athletic profile United believe they have bought, a midfielder capable of covering ground quickly, regaining possession and quickening transitions in the middle third.
Now that integration process must be stopped again. Carrick confirmed that the forecast remains incomplete, although the broad outline is now clear. “We don’t know, but it will be a few weeks,” said manager Michael Carrick, “and it won’t be until after the international break. [that Baleba returns]. It will take a little longer than that.”
Image: IMAGO
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Michael Carrick draws United Options
That leaves United on a tight run without a player brought in to raise the ceiling of their midfield. December alone features seven matches, including a demanding trip to Arsenal on December 20, and there is no certainty that Baleba will be back by then.
Carrick must also judge how quickly they can get Patrick Dorg back. The defender has made a partial return to training after his hamstring problem, although there is a sense from United that caution will prevail. His participation against Aston Villa remains undecided, with the squad wary of forcing the issue after a series of muscle problems.
For now, United are stuck with the old football truth. Carefully laid plans can be changed at a moment’s notice, and the cost of absence is often measured not only in missed matches but also in surrendered momentum.