Michael Carrick makes important point about Carlos Baleba’s recovery from injury

Michael Carrick stopped short of committing to giving Carlos Baleba his eagerly awaited Manchester United first start against Tottenham when asked by journalists on Friday.

It’s a big day in the Premier League on Saturday for Manchester United and Tottenham, for similar reasons, even though the North London club are sitting bottom of the table. They’ve both been awful, below par, and both head coaches are under the cosh.

The only way to turn that around is by winning football matches. It would lift United from 12th and Tottenham from the relegation scrap. Both can’t secure three points this weekend, so someone is destined for scrutiny.

United fans want to see changes. Whether that comes from Carrick changing personnel in the team or his tactics, results are what need to change the most because they have not been good enough this season.

Michael Carrick keeps his cards close to his chest on Carlos Baleba

After featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sport-Lausanne, most assumed Carlos Baleba would make his United debut against Brighton. The Cameroon international, who signed from Brighton in the summer, has been ruled out with an ankle injury since the beginning of the campaign.

United have lacked a physical defensive option in midfield, which is why Baleba made United In Focus’ predicted line-up to face Tottenham. Carrick kept his cards close to his chest when asked about his new signing and suggested that he may have to remain patient for the right moment to feature in the line-up.

“Yeah, he’s certainly getting closer, Carlos,” Carrick told reporters.

“It’s been great to have him out on the grass and to see him up close really. And [he] played a little bit in a training game that we had last week, so that was good for him to get some minutes. And I think the other side of it a little bit: he has missed a lot, and he’s missed crucial time in terms of the end of pre-season.

“There’s a little bit of patience there for him to get up to speed, and that’s up to us to pick the right time for him as well, but he offers us a lot. I’ve said it before, the midfield that we’ve got, we’re really happy with, and the selections and the options that we have, and he definitely adds to that.”

Youri Tielemans could keep his place in the starting line-up, while fellow new signing Andrey Santos is another option, who United fans haven’t seen much of in competitive games. The Brazilian has played just 175 minutes for the Reds so far this term.

It’s also worth noting that Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out of international action this month with an injury. Carrick didn’t exactly give him the green light during his press conference.

Carrick is right to keep his cards close to his chest until the game. No manager gives away their team selection ahead of the match, and De Zerbi was no different when he carried out his media duties before their trip up north.

Whoever Carrick picks in midfield, hopefully they help ensure United secure three points against Tottenham.