Carlos Baleba plays first minutes in Manchester United shirt after ankle injury

Carlos Baleba made his first appearance in a Manchester United shirt during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Swiss side Lausanne at Carrington on Friday, with United running out 2-1 winners.

The 22-year-old midfielder joined from Brighton in the summer but had been sidelined by an ankle injury sustained before his move to Old Trafford. He was named in the squad for United’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham prior to the international break but went unused on the bench at Craven Cottage.

Friday’s fixture against Lausanne — a sister club of United’s — served as a significant milestone in Baleba’s recovery, with the Cameroon international having followed a specific training programme over recent weeks. His involvement now puts him in contention to feature when United return to Premier League action against Tottenham next weekend.

Baleba was not the only senior player involved at Carrington, with those absent from international duty also getting minutes. Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha both featured, while a number of younger players also saw game time, including manager Michael Carrick’s son Jacey, alongside Amir Ibragimov, Yuel Helafu, Victor Musa, Diego Leon, and Enzo Kana-Biyik.

The match also gave United a first-hand look at young prospect Sekou Kone, who is currently on loan at Lausanne. Former United defender Tyler Fredricson was also in the Lausanne lineup.