Manchester United’s forthcoming Champions League visit to Atlético de Madrid has gained a new midfield dimension after Carlos Baleba made his first appearance for the club against Tottenham. The 22-year-old Cameroon international had only a little over half an hour at Old Trafford, but his introduction has added another option to Michael Carrick’s plans for the trip to the Metropolitano.
What the night decided
Baleba’s debut did not bring the result United wanted against Tottenham, yet the midfielder’s first minutes in red were received enthusiastically by the Old Trafford crowd. He entered the match in place of Youri Tielemans and was applauded as he took the field.
An ankle injury had delayed Baleba’s start at United, despite the club viewing him as an important investment for the future. His arrival now offers Carrick an alternative in a central area where combinations involving Kobbie Mainoo, Tielemans and Andrey Santos had not fully settled.
In his short spell on the pitch, Baleba helped take control of United’s passing game while also providing protection when Tottenham attacked. His display suggested both technical quality and the physical edge that United’s midfield has lacked at times.
Atlético face another United option
For Diego Simeone, Baleba’s emergence complicates the task awaiting Atlético at the Metropolitano. United can now call on a midfielder able to combine ball-carrying and distribution with strength, energy and defensive resistance.
There was not enough time against Tottenham for a full verdict on Baleba’s United career, but there was enough to show why supporters had been waiting for his return from injury. His first outing has arrived in time to put him in contention to influence United’s European challenge in Madrid.
