Carlos Baleba
MUN
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Jan 3, 2004 (22)
Left
5'10"
161 lb
Makes first league start of season
Baleba generated one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Baleba made his first Premier League start of the season after returning from injury as a substitute against Tottenham in the previous league fixture. The midfielder played 74 minutes against Leeds, attempting one shot and recording one interception before making way for Mason Mount. Across two Premier League appearances this season, he has attempted three shots while contributing two chances created and four interceptions. His return to the starting lineup represents an encouraging step toward rebuilding his match fitness, although competition in central midfield could lead to further rotation.
Building fitness through training
Baleba (ankle) is improving his fitness after completing extensive training sessions during the international break ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He's improving, he's trained a lot."
Analysis: Baleba continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from an ankle injury, having recently played his first minutes for Manchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport. The midfielder had already been fit enough to make the bench against Fulham before the international break, and his increased training workload suggests he is getting closer to full match fitness. However, manager Carrick stopped short of confirming his availability against Tottenham, leaving his involvement uncertain. Once fully fit, Baleba should compete with Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for minutes in United's midfield.
Gets first United minutes
Baleba (ankle) featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport on Friday, marking his first minutes for Manchester United since joining the club.
Analysis: Baleba played his first minutes in a Manchester United shirt during Friday's behind-closed-doors friendly, marking another significant step toward his competitive debut. The midfielder had already progressed enough in his recovery from an ankle injury to make the bench against Fulham before the international break and has continued building his fitness since. He could now push for involvement against Tottenham on Oct. 10 and should compete with Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a starting role once fully fit.
Nearing Manchester United debut
Baleba (ankle) is expected to be in contention to start against Tottenham on Oct. 10 as he continues to build his fitness during the international break, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Baleba has recovered quicker than initially expected from the ankle injury that has prevented him from making his Manchester United debut, and he was already fit enough to make the bench against Fulham before the break. The midfielder has continued an individual program at Carrington and could also receive minutes in an academy match against Lausanne-Sport before first-team action resumes. Baleba was signed to provide a more natural defensive presence in midfield following Casemiro's departure and should compete with Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a starting role once fully fit.
Available off bench
Baleba is available off the bench for Sunday's match against Fulham after recovering from an ankle injury, according to coach Michael Carrick. ""And having Carlos in the group for the first time, coming to the club and not being fully around the group is not always easy. So, for him to be part of it is important today."
Analysis: Baleba is included in a Manchester United matchday squad for the first time since joining the club from Brighton while carrying an ankle injury. His place on the bench puts him in position to make his United debut Sunday, although his workload is likely to be managed following the extended absence. Once fully fit, he should compete for a regular role in central midfield.
Travels with squad to Fulham
Baleba (ankle) travelled with Manchester United ahead of Sunday's trip to Fulham, putting the midfielder in line for his debut, according to Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News.
Analysis: ​Baleba has been unavailable since his summer move from Brighton after arriving at Manchester United with an ankle problem, leaving him without a competitive appearance for his new club. Traveling with the squad to London now represents a clear step forward and comes ahead of the timeframe coach Michael Carrick had suggested for the midfielder to be properly ready. He is likely to be eased into action from the bench if he is deemed ready to feature.
Could make United debut
Baleba could make his Manchester United debut against Fulham on Sunday, though coach Michael Carrick said he is not yet fully cleared. "There is a chance on both really. Not totally 100 per cent yet."
Analysis: Baleba remains without a competitive appearance since joining United from Brighton while recovering from an ankle injury. His potential availability Sunday would come earlier than previously expected, as he had initially been targeting a return after the international break. If cleared, Baleba could make his debut before the break and begin competing with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans for a central midfield role.
Targeting post-break return
Baleba (ankle) is expected to return to contention following the October international break and could rejoin team training over the next week, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He'll be back in and around the group at some point over the next week or so. So that means, after the internationals, he should be in good shape"
Analysis: Baleba has yet to make his Manchester United debut after arriving from Brighton with the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined since the start of the season. His expected return to team training represents another significant step in his recovery, with the home clash against Tottenham following the international break shaping up as a potential first opportunity to feature. Once available, Baleba should compete with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans for a place in central midfield.
Progressing in recovery
Baleba (ankle) has been pictured working in the gym and on the grass at Carrington as he continues his recovery from the injury suffered during pre-season with Brighton, according to the club.
Analysis: Baleba has yet to make his Manchester United debut after the ankle issue kept him out of all four matches since completing his move from Brighton. His return to individual work on the grass is a positive step, though Michael Carrick has declined to set a firm timetable for his availability. Baleba will likely need to progress back into full team training before being considered for his first appearance, with United expected to remain cautious as he completes his recovery. Once fully fit, Baleba should compete with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans for a place in central midfield.
Out several weeks with ankle injury
Baleba has a minor ankle issue that could keep him out for a couple to three weeks, according to manager Michael Carrick, per Tyrone Marshall of Manchester Evening News. "He's got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, three weeks. It's no major issue. It'll be great to have him back."
Analysis: Baleba made 31 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season without a goal or assist, and this ankle issue further delays his path into the mix after joining Manchester United's midfield this summer alongside Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Once fully fit, he figures to gradually work his way into the rotation alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount, likely sometime in September after the international break.
Expected out weeks after transfer
Baleba (ankle) could be sidelined until mid-September as he recovers from the injury he suffered during the offseason period with Brighton, Archie Griggs of The Express reports.
Analysis: Baleba just recently joined the Red Devils as another midfield addition along with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to contend with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount (foot). However, it appears the Cameroonian will need a few weeks to be available for selection, especially considering that he hasn't seen competitive action since May. Once he's fully fit, he'll look to gradually enter the rotation and start accumulating passes and ball recovery stats at some point in September or October.
Completes move to United
Baleba has signed a five-year contract through the summer of 2031 with Manchester United from Brighton, the club announced.
Analysis: Baleba was one of the Premier League's most sought-after young midfielders after a breakout 2024-25 season, ranking among the league's top performers for tackles and interceptions and progressive ball carries, and he helped Brighton reach the Conference League last season while ranking in the top eight percent of players for combined tackles and interceptions and the top one percent for second balls won. He's currently working through an ankle injury from pre-season, meaning his Old Trafford debut will have to wait. He joins Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as United's third midfield addition of the summer, part of a broader rebuild of that area following Casemiro's departure.
Ruled out for Villa clash
Baleba will miss Sunday's match against Aston Villa due to fitness, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per BBC Sport Sussex. "Baleba is a Brighton player. I'll never comment on rumours which are in the media and I can't control, a lot of things are written. I know about the situation but I have a very important game with my staff and team in two games. That's my only focus at the moment. He's not fit. That's why he won't be involved."
Analysis: Baleba has missed Brighton's last three matches with an ankle ligament injury suffered during preseason, and speculation over a potential move to Manchester United has continued to swirl around him throughout that absence, though coach Fabian Hurzeler declined to be drawn on whether anything beyond fitness is behind his continued unavailability. The 22-year-old made 31 Premier League appearances last season. Yasin Ayari is expected to continue pairing with Pascal Gross in midfield if Baleba remains unavailable for the opener.
Doubtful for start of season
Baleba suffered an ankle ligament injury during preseason and is a doubt for the start of the 2026-27 season, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Baleba's injury forced him to miss Saturday's 4-3 win over Strasbourg. Brighton hope the issue won't require a long term absence, though his availability for the club's Conference League qualifier on Aug. 20 or the Premier League opener against Aston Villa three days later remains in question. The 22-year-old made 31 Premier League appearances last season, his third since joining from Lille in 2023, though his form dipped amid heavy transfer interest from Manchester United, who ultimately pursued Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans instead. Yasin Ayari is expected to pair with Pascal Gross in midfield if Baleba misses the start of the season.
Option to face Liverpool
Baleba (undisclosed) is an option for Saturday's clash against Liverpool after missing the last game due to a minor issue, according to BBC Sussex Sport.
Analysis: Baleba sat out the Sunderland clash with a minor issue but is back in the mix for Saturday's showdown against Liverpool, just as coach Fabian Hurzeler hinted last week. He's been managing a series of muscular problems this season, so the staff could bring him along carefully rather than throwing him straight into a full workload. That said, this likely opens the door for James Milner to keep a bigger role in midfield until Baleba is fully back up to speed.
Early hook in loss
Carlos Baleba recorded one interception in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 2nd minute.
Analysis: Carlos Baleba was deemed unplayable Wednesday. The midfielder completed just four passes and was brandished a yellow card before being removed in favor of James Milner after just 22 minutes on the pitch. Carlos Baleba has started in four successive league fixtures, but that streak is in doubt as Brighton prepare to take on Liverpool on Saturday at Anfield.
Pictured in training with club
Baleba (undisclosed) is fully fit and back in Brighton's training sessions after returning from international duty.
Analysis: Baleba should be an option in central midfield for the remainder of the season, but it's not yet clear when he'll bounce back into the starting lineup. He was quite active with Cameroon in the AFCON, making five appearances despite suffering some minor physical problems during the early stages of the tournament. His return to Brighton's midfield will threaten Yasin Ayari's and Pascal Gross' positions.
Fully fit, returns to Brighton
Baleba (undisclosed) is no longer injured since he played 77 minutes in Friday's 2-0 loss against Morocco and is now heading back to Brighton after being eliminated from the AFCON with Cameroon.
Analysis: Baleba fully cleared the injury that he suffered against Gabon since he played 77 minutes in Friday's loss against Morocco that saw Cameroon being eliminated of the AFCON. Baleba will now head back to Brighton and have a bit less than 10 days to be ready for the next Premier League clash against Bournemouth. Baleba has been an undisputed starter for the Seagulls and should claim back that role when back.
Forced off injured
Baleba (undisclosed) was forced off injured at halftime during Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Gabon at AFCON, according to The Argus.
Analysis: Baleba had a decent outing against Gabon on Wednesday, helping the Lions remain stable in midfield before suffering an apparent injury that required treatment and forced him off at the break. The midfielder will hope to recover quickly, as he is very important for Cameroon in the midfield. Baleba's extent of injury is still unknown, as there has been no report released regarding his condition yet.
Quiet in midfield
Carlos Baleba recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool.
Analysis: Baleba took a single shot during Saturday's loss and was largely played around in the midfield. This was always going to be a tough match at Anfield, especially going forward, and Baleba couldn't really get involved. As a true holding midfielder, Baleba doesn't offer as much going forward, especially against top opponents. Baleba is now set to depart for AFCON, meaning he will be unavailable for the next three weeks at a minimum.
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