Mbeumo takes Baleba under his wing as £70m signing edges closer to United debut

Carlos Baleba is edging towards his Manchester United debut after an ankle ligament injury delayed the start of his career at Old Trafford, with head coach Michael Carrick confirming the £70m summer signing from Brighton should be in contention when Tottenham visit on 10 October.

Baleba suffered the injury during Brighton’s pre-season and has been sidelined since completing his move to Manchester. Carrick offered an encouraging update ahead of the international break, saying the midfielder would be back training with the group within a week. “Carlos came here injured and he’s desperate to get out there, be part of the group and train fully with the boys,” Carrick said. “He balances the dynamics of the midfield particularly well.”

Despite being unable to play, Baleba has worked to build a stable environment around himself in Manchester. He has retained his private chef, his sister lives with him, and his long-time manager Patrick — who helped steer him from Cameroon to Lille as a teenager and later to Brighton — has remained a significant presence throughout his transition to United. Patrick was also closely involved in brokering the Old Trafford move, which had been a year in the making after United were strongly linked with the 22-year-old last summer before Brighton refused to sell.

“I’m very patient,” Baleba said after finally completing the transfer. “I can be patient, no problem. I’m not someone who rushes or wants to rush things.”

One relationship that has developed quickly since his arrival is with fellow Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo. The pair were not particularly close despite sharing a national team dressing room, but Mbeumo has reportedly taken his compatriot under his wing, showing him around Manchester and assuming something of a big-brother role during Baleba’s first weeks at the club.

With the three-week international break giving Baleba additional recovery time, United will hope the midfielder can make his competitive debut against Spurs and begin justifying the club’s significant investment.