Manchester United’s newest midfield investment is spending the international break in England rather than joining Cameroon, with Carlos Baleba following a carefully tailored recovery programme at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer in an €80 million deal, but has yet to make his first appearance for the club.
Baleba joined United while still managing an injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season camp in Austria. The problem has kept the Cameroonian out of United’s early fixtures, delaying the introduction of one of the club’s major arrivals of the transfer window.
With domestic football paused for international matches, Michael Carrick and his coaching staff have kept Baleba at the training ground to complete individual work aimed at bringing him back to full fitness. The intention is to have him available when the Premier League resumes after the break.
His application in rehabilitation has made a strong impression within the United camp. The club see Baleba as a player capable of adding authority and balance in central areas, particularly following Casemiro’s departure. For now, the focus is on turning an expensive summer signing into an on-pitch option as quickly as his recovery permits.
