Man United vs Tottenham: Carlos Baleba set for debut in predicted XI
Manchester United host Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 10 (5.30pm BST), with Carlos Baleba expected to make his debut. Michael Carrick is without several key players, leaving his selection looking forced rather than planned after a difficult international break.
- Fixture: Manchester United vs Tottenham, Premier League
- Kick-off: 5.30pm BST, Saturday, October 10
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Headline selection: Carlos Baleba set for his Manchester United debut
- Doubts: Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt
- Injured: Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko, Noussair Mazraoui, Tom Heaton, Karl Darlow
Predicted Line-up
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Predicted XI: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw; Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Matheus Cunha.
Substitutes: Not stated in the source.
Selection notes
Carlos Baleba is expected to start at the base of midfield alongside Youri Tielemans, handing Manchester United a brand-new midfield pairing they need to work immediately. Baleba, a summer signing, arrived with an injury issue but has trained consistently over the past fortnight and is finally set for his debut.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both pulled out of England duty, and Carrick admitted they have trained only “a little bit” ahead of this one. Amad Diallo is in a similar position and has yet to feature this season. Matthijs de Ligt is edging closer after a back problem, though there is still no firm indication that he will be ready.
Elsewhere, Patrick Dorgu picked up a hamstring injury during the break, Noussair Mazraoui returned with a knock, and Benjamin Sesko is expected to miss weeks with a shin issue. With so many missing in attacking areas, Carrick does not have many calls to make. Bruno Fernandes will operate in his usual central role, while Matheus Cunha is expected to come in for Sesko. Bryan Mbeumo should keep his place out wide, and Rashford may be asked to start even if he is clearly short of full fitness.
At the back, no changes are expected. Senne Lammens, now Belgium’s number one, is set to continue in goal behind the established back four.
Injury and availability
- Marcus Rashford: Doubt — pulled out of England duty, has trained only “a little bit”
- Kobbie Mainoo: Doubt — same as Rashford, limited training
- Amad Diallo: Doubt — yet to feature this season
- Matthijs de Ligt: Doubt — edging closer after a back problem, no firm indication he will be ready
- Patrick Dorgu: Injured — hamstring injury picked up during the international break
- Noussair Mazraoui: Injured — returned with a knock
- Benjamin Sesko: Injured — expected to miss weeks with a shin issue
- Tom Heaton: Injured
- Karl Darlow: Injured
What was said
“a little bit”
Carrick’s admission that Rashford and Mainoo have trained only “a little bit” underlines the depth of the problem. Neither player is fully fit, yet the manager may have little choice but to start Rashford because of the absentees in attacking areas.
Mainoo’s situation is similarly concerning, though the expected availability of Baleba and Tielemans gives Carrick a viable midfield pairing. The international break was meant to ease the strain; instead, United return with more doubts than certainties.
Why Baleba’s debut matters for United’s midfield
Carlos Baleba arrives at a moment when United’s midfield has been stretched thin. His partnership with Youri Tielemans is untested, but Baleba’s physical profile and ability to cover ground should give United a platform they have lacked. If he settles quickly, Carrick can afford to ease Rashford and Mainoo back without overworking them.
At the back, Senne Lammens continues in goal as Belgium’s number one, shielded by an unchanged defence of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw. That familiarity is vital given the chaos further forward.
With Matheus Cunha expected to replace the injured Benjamin Sesko, United’s attack will rely on Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo to create chances. Tottenham will see an opportunity; United simply want enough fit players to get through it properly.
Talking points
- Should Carrick risk Rashford from the start when he has trained only “a little bit”? A half-fit Rashford may offer more than a fully fit alternative.
- Is Baleba-Tielemans the right midfield pairing for such a demanding fixture, or does it lack Premier League experience together?
- With Sesko out for weeks, is Cunha the right man to lead the line, or should Mbeumo move central?
- Tottenham will target United’s patched-up defence. Can an unchanged back four hold firm with so little protection ahead of them?
What happens next
Manchester United face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 10 at 5.30pm BST. Carrick must finalise his XI after late fitness checks on Rashford, Mainoo, Diallo and De Ligt. Three points would steady a squad stretched to its limits; defeat would intensify scrutiny before the next international window.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlos Baleba starting for Manchester United vs Tottenham?
Yes, Carlos Baleba is expected to make his Manchester United debut and start at the base of midfield alongside Youri Tielemans, according to the source.
What time is Man United vs Tottenham kick-off?
The match kicks off at 5.30pm BST on Saturday, October 10 at Old Trafford.
Who is injured for Manchester United vs Tottenham?
Patrick Dorgu (hamstring), Benjamin Sesko (shin, expected to miss weeks), Noussair Mazraoui (knock), Tom Heaton and Karl Darlow are injured. Rashford, Mainoo, Diallo and De Ligt are doubts.
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