Michael Carrick has reportedly made it clear that Carlos Baleba is not yet ready to return to competitive action for Manchester United, despite the midfielder making significant progress in his recovery.
The Cameroon international has been one of the most anticipated new arrivals at Old Trafford after completing a major summer move from Brighton. However, supporters have had to wait to see him make his competitive debut because he arrived at Manchester United carrying an ankle injury.
Baleba’s absence has been particularly noticeable because Manchester United invested heavily in bringing him to the club. The midfielder was signed from Brighton for a reported fee of around £70 million, with Carrick identifying him as an important addition to the midfield.
The situation has created growing excitement among United supporters, especially because the team has experienced difficulties in midfield during the opening stages of the campaign.
Baleba was expected to provide greater physicality, defensive protection and energy in the centre of the pitch. His ability to win tackles, cover large areas and drive through midfield was considered an important part of United’s plans for the season.
But Carrick has consistently insisted that the club will not rush him back.
The Manchester United manager initially revealed that Baleba had suffered an ankle problem before completing his move to Old Trafford. At the time, Carrick estimated that the midfielder could be unavailable for several weeks, while making it clear that the injury was not considered a major long-term problem.
Since then, Baleba has been working on his rehabilitation and gradually increasing his training.
Carrick has repeatedly provided positive updates, explaining that the midfielder was desperate to return and was working hard to become part of the group again.
At one point, Carrick described Baleba as “bouncing around the place” because of his eagerness to finally begin his Manchester United career. The manager also praised the player’s attitude and enthusiasm during his rehabilitation.
However, being enthusiastic about returning is different from being physically prepared for Premier League football.
That appears to be the key issue facing Baleba.
Carrick does not want to put the midfielder into a competitive match before he has reached the required level of fitness. Manchester United’s medical and coaching staff must be satisfied that he can handle the intensity of Premier League football before giving him significant minutes.
For Baleba, the situation is understandably frustrating.
He arrived at Manchester United with enormous expectations, but instead of immediately competing for a place in the starting XI, he has spent much of his early time at the club recovering from injury.
He has not had the opportunity to establish himself alongside his new teammates in competitive matches, meaning there is still uncertainty over how quickly he can adapt to Carrick’s tactical demands.
The midfielder’s absence has also increased pressure on the other players in United’s midfield.
Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo have been among the players expected to carry much of the responsibility while Baleba works his way back to full fitness.
Carrick knows that Baleba could eventually provide a different dimension to the midfield.
The Cameroon international is particularly valued for his ability to cover ground and compete physically. His defensive work could allow United’s more creative players greater freedom, while his energy could help the team recover possession higher up the pitch.
That is one of the reasons the club was prepared to make such a significant financial investment in him.
Carrick has already described Baleba as a player with “huge potential” and highlighted the qualities he can bring to United’s midfield. The manager has also explained that Baleba can help balance the dynamics of the squad because of his different strengths.
But potential alone is not enough.
The player has to be physically ready.
That is why Carrick is believed to be taking a cautious approach.
Rather than immediately throwing Baleba into a Premier League match, United have been able to use controlled training sessions and a behind-closed-doors friendly to assess his condition.
Baleba eventually made his unofficial Manchester United debut in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport during the international break, giving him valuable minutes as he continued rebuilding his match fitness.
That appearance was an important step, but it should not automatically be interpreted as proof that Baleba is ready to play a full Premier League match.
The intensity of a competitive Premier League fixture is completely different.
Carrick therefore has to decide how quickly Baleba can be introduced without creating another physical setback.
For Manchester United, patience could be particularly important because the club sees Baleba as a long-term part of its midfield plans.
There would be little benefit in rushing him into action, only for him to suffer another injury and face another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The manager will want Baleba to build his fitness gradually before increasing his workload.
The player’s attitude has reportedly been positive throughout the process.
Despite his frustration at not being able to play, Baleba has continued working hard at Carrington. Carrick has praised his personality and enthusiasm, suggesting that the midfielder has remained motivated despite the difficult start to his Manchester United career.
That could prove important when he finally receives his opportunity.
Once Baleba is fully fit, competition for midfield places is expected to become even stronger.
Carrick will have several options available to him, and the manager will need to determine which combination provides the best balance between creativity, defensive protection and physical strength.
Baleba’s arrival gives United another option that was previously missing.
He can play as a defensive midfielder, operate in a deeper role or potentially contribute further forward when the tactical situation requires it.
His ability to cover ground could also become particularly useful during matches in which United need to defend transitions.
For a team that has struggled at times to control midfield battles, Baleba’s return could therefore be significant.
But Carrick’s message remains clear: the midfielder will only play when he is ready.
The manager does not want the pressure surrounding Baleba’s transfer fee to influence the decision.
A £70 million signing naturally creates expectations, but Carrick understands that the player’s health must come first.
The midfielder does not need to prove his value in his first appearance.
He needs time to become fully comfortable with the physical demands of English football again, understand his teammates and adapt to Carrick’s system.
United supporters will undoubtedly be eager to see him.
Many fans have already imagined what a midfield containing Baleba could look like, particularly alongside the club’s other summer additions.
But the coaching staff will be focused on the bigger picture.
If Baleba can return without suffering another setback, he could gradually become one of the most important members of Carrick’s squad.
The coming weeks could therefore be crucial.
Baleba has already taken steps forward in his rehabilitation, including returning to group work and getting minutes in a controlled friendly environment. Reports indicate that he is moving closer to competitive action, but Carrick’s cautious approach suggests that the club will not take unnecessary risks with him.
For now, Manchester United supporters may have to wait a little longer.
Baleba is eager to play, Carrick knows how important his qualities could be, and the club clearly wants him available as soon as possible.
But the priority is making sure that when Baleba finally walks onto the pitch in a competitive Manchester United match, he is physically prepared to stay there.
The long-term objective is not simply to get Baleba onto the pitch as quickly as possible.
It is to make sure he can remain there, build rhythm, establish himself in the midfield and eventually become the player Manchester United believed they were signing.
For Carrick, patience could be the most important part of Baleba’s introduction.
And for Baleba himself, the message is simple: the opportunity is coming, but he must first prove that his body is ready for the demands of Manchester United and the Premier League.