Carrick expects £65m Baleba to return after international break for Tottenham clash

Michael Carrick has indicated that Carlos Baleba could be available for Manchester United’s fixture against Tottenham after the international break, with the £65m summer signing from Brighton edging closer to his debut following an ankle injury.

Baleba arrived at Old Trafford this summer but was immediately ruled out, meaning he will also miss Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton and Sunday’s Premier League match against Fulham. Carrick, however, is confident the 22-year-old Cameroon international will be integrated into the squad within the next week or so.

“He’ll be back in and around the group at some point over the next week or so, so that means after the international break, he should be in good shape,” Carrick said. “Carlos came being injured and then he’s desperate to get out there and be part of the group and training fully with the boys. He’s a quality player, that’s why we brought him, and he balances off the dynamics of the midfield particularly well.”

United face Tottenham at home and then travel to Atletico Madrid after the international break, providing Baleba with two high-profile opportunities to make his bow.

Elsewhere in the injury room, Carrick confirmed that Amad Diallo is not yet close to returning, while Matthijs de Ligt — sidelined since November with a back problem — continues his rehabilitation. “Amad’s not quite close in terms of days, but we’ll see as the week progresses,” Carrick said. “And Matta’s just working his way back, really, so because of the time frame and how it’s been, I don’t really want to put too much time frame on it.”

Luke Shaw has also missed United’s last two matches, with Patrick Dorgu filling in at left-back. Carrick described Shaw’s issue as minor, suggesting he could return for the Brighton game. “He could possibly be fit for Brighton, but it’s not clear-cut. But it’s a matter of a few days rather than anything else,” he said, adding praise for Dorgu’s recent performances.

Carrick also spoke about the significance of the Carabao Cup as a route to his first trophy as United head coach. “Trophies is the beauty and the feeling of winning. It’s what we’re in football for, what we’re in sport for, and certainly what I’m at this club for is to try and win,” he said.