Manchester United could start Carlos Baleba for the first time against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, but there is another forgotten United star Michael Carrick is also ready to unleash.
Man United are in desperate need of the three points against a lowly Spurs side who lie bottom of the Premier League table, following a miserable start to the campaign which has seen them only take two points and score two goals.
It has been an underwhelming start to the campaign for the Red Devils and Carrick knows his team need to kickstart their season as soon as possible, and ideally against Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
Last time out, against Fulham prior to the extended international break, they were particularly poor, and were fortunate that Matheus Cunha’s late heavily deflected shot saw them take a point back up north.
If performances and results continue as they have been, Carrick’s job will be under threat, but he can start to put things right with three points against Tottenham.
Having been on the substitutes’ bench last time out, Baleba could be in line for his debut on Saturday, especially if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t fit to start having withdrawn from England duty.
Carrick as Man Utd Manager
2025-26
2026-27
Games
17
7
Wins
12
2
Draws
3
2
Losses
2
3
Win percentage
70.59%
28.57%
Carrick will also be hoping to have Amad Diallo available to come back in on the right wing, given the Matheus Cunha as a striker experiment simply hasn’t worked this term.
Diallo returning to the XI would allow Bryan Mbeumo to play through the centre if Benjamin Sesko is still unavailable, with Carrick then having a choice of either Cunha or Marcus Rashford on the left.
Their main issues so far this season have been in defence though, with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot not having enough competition for their places.
The return of Matthijs de Ligt in the coming weeks could change all of that though.
De Ligt Will be Game-Changer for United
As United’s defensive struggles continue after eight goals conceded in five Premier League matches this term, there is no doubt that they have missed the presence of the experienced De Ligt.
The Dutchman last made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils on November 30 last year against Crystal Palace, and he hasn’t played a single minute since having had surgery to fix an ongoing back issue.
Now, the 27-year-old is closing in on a return to first-team action and while United are keeping their cards close to their chest as to when exactly the Netherlands international will be back in the squad, the Manchester Evening News reported he was close to being involved against Fulham before the extended international break.
De Ligt Premier League Statistics 2024-25
Appearances
29
Goals
2
Passes completed
1,370
Pass accuracy
90%
Duels won
102
Aerial duels won
58
Tackles
30
Interceptions
33
Since then, De Ligt has played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne Sport last week, as he continues his return to full fitness, while insider suggestions are that he is shining on the training ground at Carrington.
Of course, the centre-back will need a few games to get back up to speed but even his presence in the squad should push the likes of Martinez and Maguire to up their performances, knowing he is ready to take their place.
Carrick would love to have a fully fit De Ligt back at the heart of the defence providing some calmness and composure, which United have been severely lacking defensively this term.
He can be the secret weapon at the back who United need to turn their defensive fortunes around.
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