Carlos Baleba makes Manchester United debut in behind-closed-doors friendly

Carlos Baleba finally made his Manchester United debut in a behind-closed-doors 2-1 win over Lausanne Sport at Carrington on Friday. The £70 million summer signing from Brighton had been sidelined with an ankle issue since arriving at Old Trafford.

  • Result: Manchester United 2-1 Lausanne Sport
  • Venue: Carrington
  • Competition: Behind-closed-doors friendly
  • Key debut: Carlos Baleba (first appearance since £70m move from Brighton)
  • Return: Matthijs de Ligt (first outing since November last year after back problem)
  • Next Premier League match: Tottenham Hotspur (next weekend)

Injury and availability

Carlos Baleba had been unavailable due to an ankle issue he carried into Old Trafford following his £70 million transfer from Brighton in the summer. He was on the bench for the 1-1 draw at Fulham but remained unused.

Matthijs de Ligt made his first appearance since November last year after a serious back problem. He had not featured at all under Michael Carrick after the head coach replaced Ruben Amorim in January last season.

Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha also featured in the friendly, along with several other first-team players who were not away on international duty.

Baleba debut gives United fresh midfield energy

The Baleba debut gives United something they have lacked: energy and presence in midfield. At 22, he arrives with expectation because of the fee and because Carrick pushed to get him in as the final signing of his first permanent transfer window. The delay has been frustrating, but the important part now is availability.

For Michael Carrick, this was practical more than symbolic. United return to Premier League action next weekend against Tottenham, and Baleba now looks far closer to being a genuine option.

Matthijs de Ligt return could help United defence

United’s defence has looked vulnerable for too long, and De Ligt’s return could help steady it. That does not solve everything, but it gives Carrick another senior option in an area where reliability has been scarce.

There was more good news beyond Baleba. De Ligt started in central defence, his first appearance since November last year after a serious back problem. He did not feature at all under Carrick after the head coach replaced Ruben Amorim in January last season, so this was overdue.

Talking points

  • Should Baleba start against Tottenham or be eased in from the bench?
  • Is De Ligt the answer to United’s defensive problems, or does he need more time?
  • Did Carrick’s decision to arrange this friendly show good judgement?
  • Will the return of Baleba and De Ligt be enough to turn United’s season around?

What happens next

United face Tottenham in the Premier League next weekend. Carrick must decide whether Baleba and De Ligt are ready to start or will be used as substitutes. Their availability gives United a timely boost as they look to improve on the 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Frequently asked questions

Did Carlos Baleba play for Manchester United against Lausanne Sport?

Yes, Carlos Baleba made his Manchester United debut in the behind-closed-doors 2-1 win over Lausanne Sport at Carrington on Friday.

Was Matthijs de Ligt involved in the friendly?

Yes, Matthijs de Ligt started in central defence, his first appearance since November last year after a serious back problem.

Who else played for Manchester United in the behind-closed-doors friendly?

Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha also featured, along with several other first-team players who were not away on international duty.

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