Carlos Baleba is fit and ready to debut for Manchester United

As Manchester United prepares for a crucial month, the focus shifts back to the club as they aim to improve their disappointing start to the season. The team faces a home match against Tottenham Hotspur, who are yet to secure a win, followed by challenging away fixtures against Atletico Madrid, Leeds United, and Como. The month concludes with matches against Bournemouth and Chelsea, making October pivotal for head coach Michael Carrick.

Carrick has pointed to unfortunate circumstances affecting the team's performance, but the upcoming fixtures demand results. The international break may have provided players with the chance to regain form and fitness. Matheus Cunha, who has struggled this season, has had time to reset, while Amad Diallo's return offers Carrick more attacking options, allowing for potential reshuffles in the lineup.

The squad's depth has been tested, with injuries to Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu, alongside concerns over Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo. However, the anticipated debut of summer signing Carlos Baleba adds a new dynamic to the midfield. After recovering from an ankle injury, Baleba has settled well at the club and could play a crucial role in the upcoming matches.

Baleba's arrival comes at a time when United's midfield has lacked the qualities needed to dominate games. His physical presence and ability to shield the defence could address the team's struggles, particularly in transition. Furthermore, his passing range and ability to drive forward with the ball could inject much-needed creativity into the midfield, an area that has been lacking since the departure of Casemiro.

While it is premature to label Baleba as a transformative signing, his potential impact on the team is significant. Carrick's side needs to harness Baleba's abilities to navigate the challenging fixtures ahead, making him a key figure in their quest for a turnaround this season.

via Sky Sports