Carrick urged to start Baleba in United's Tottenham clash

Manchester United prepares to resume its campaign with a home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow evening, following a three-week hiatus. Amid discussions on Michael Carrick’s likely selection, Samuel Luckhurst has asserted that Carlos Baleba “obviously has to start” in the upcoming match.

Baleba nears first appearance

The summer acquisition was introduced to supporters at Old Trafford upon the completion of his transfer. His participation would represent the competitive debut for the club this season. An ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season training with Brighton and Hove Albion sidelined him throughout the opening month of the campaign.

Recovery progressed rapidly, positioning him to feature this weekend. Although included in the squad for the fifth gameweek encounter with Fulham, he remained an unused substitute. Carrick apparently opted to grant the young player additional rest during the international break.

Tielemans faces potential benching

Incorporating Baleba into the starting eleven necessitates removing another midfielder. Given Kobbie Mainoo’s performance since the 2026/2027 season commenced, it is improbable that he will be dropped. Consequently, Youri Tielemans appears set to make way. The Belgian has started every league match so far, averaging a FotMob rating of 7.29, and even served as captain in Bruno Fernandes’ absence.

Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall previously commented on the midfield configuration: “I would expect Baleba and Mainoo to be the partnership that starts the biggest games and to emerge as United’s No. 1 midfield duo.”

Following the home game against winless Spurs, United travels to the Metropolitano stadium to face Atletico Madrid in their second Champions League group-phase match.