Michael Carrick must unleash Carlos Baleba vs Spurs, he’s the answer to De Zerbi’s trap

**The Man Utd career of Carlos Baleba needs to begin vs Spurs because he’s the answer to Michael Carrick’s aching problem so far. **

When Man Utd host Spurs at Old Trafford to restart their domestic campaign, it will be a game between two desperate teams.

Neither campaign has got off to a good start, as Spurs’ millions haven’t translated to results on the pitch, while Michael Carrick’s honeymoon period is well and truly over.

Having said that, De Zerbi has the perfect tactical trap for Carrick, and the latter needs to unleash Carlos Baleba to nullify it.

Carlos Baleba can counter De Zerbi’s transitions

The aching spot of Carrick through the first few games this season has been on left-back, but that’s not where Spurs’ biggest threat lies.

Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans have been United’s go-to midfield combination so far this season, but that must change for Spurs’ trip to Old Trafford.

De Zerbi’s tactical plan relies on quick turnovers and overloading the centre to spark transitions through midfield, so that area needs fortification.

Tielemans must make way for Baleba, who has the ability to cover the ground in both attack and defence, while also having the left foot to patrol the channel and help out his left-back.

United would be wise to cede possession to Spurs and hit them on the break quickly, rather than trying to assert themselves and get sucker-punched.

Mainoo’s newfound defensive solidity, mixed with Baleba’s dynamism, achieves two objectives with one switch, adding a left-right foot combination in midfield, and helping the left-back in transitions.

Tielemans to Baleba isn’t even that big of a downgrade on the ball, especially if United intend to cede possession and let Spurs try and break them down.

This game suits Carrick’s tactical plan to a tee, but only if he goes back to last season’s plan. If he tries to beat De Zerbi at his own game, it could be a repeat of what used to happen under Erik ten Hag.

An empty midfield being scythed through with zipped passes on the ground as the defence is seen scrambling towards their own goal.

In Baleba, Carrick has the tool to flip that switch and make Spurs chase shadows on the break.