Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick hopes new signing Carlos Baleba can make his debut before the international break next month. The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion for £65 million earlier this week, is managing an ankle injury picked up during pre-season. Carrick provided the update as his side, currently 16th in the Premier League with 0 points from one game, prepare to host newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Carrick did not confirm a precise return date for Baleba. "He’s got a little ankle issue. So, maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, we’ll see," the manager said. This timeline leaves a narrow window for the midfielder to potentially feature in United's next match against Fulham on September 20, which follows a three-week international break. The team's next league game after that is not until October 10 against Tottenham Hotspur, a gap visible on the club's fixtures schedule.
When will Mason Mount return?
Mason Mount is back in contention for the weekend's crucial match against Ipswich, who sit 8th in the table. The midfielder missed the final two pre-season games and the opening weekend's surprise 2-0 defeat at Hull City due to a minor issue. He returned to team training this week. "Mason’s back around the group, which is great. Trained this week. So that’s a real positive for us," Carrick stated. Mount's availability offers a timely boost as United seek their first points and goals of the campaign, having conceded twice so far.
What is the latest on Amad Diallo?
Winger Amad Diallo will not be available for the Ipswich fixture and may not play before the international break. He missed the Hull City game after picking up a knock in training and is set to be sidelined for a little longer. His absence further tests United's squad depth as they look to climb from their lowly position in the standings. The team's immediate focus is halting a poor start that has left them three points behind early leaders Brighton.
How does Baleba fit into the squad?
Carlos Baleba's eventual integration will be watched closely given his substantial transfer fee. His ankle problem, sustained before his move, means United must be patient. When fit, he is expected to compete for a place in a midfield that Carrick is keen to strengthen. The manager's hope for a pre-break debut underscores the desire to inject fresh energy into a team that has begun the season with a loss. Supporters can track the recovery timelines for Baleba and Diallo on the club's injuries page.
United's immediate task is to respond against Ipswich at home. A positive result is important to build momentum before the lengthy pause in the league calendar. The context of their early-season struggle, with a -2 goal difference, adds pressure to this fixture. How Carrick manages the returns of Mount and, later, Baleba could shape United's attempts to recover ground in the coming weeks.
