Can Carlos Baleba Turn Manchester United's Season Around?

With the Premier League back in action, Manchester United fans are buzzing about a new addition to their squad: Carlos Baleba. The 22-year-old midfielder was brought in from Brighton for a hefty fee of $88.7m (£65m), plus another $6.8m (£5m) in add-ons. While he hasn't yet made his debut, many supporters are pinning their hopes on him to address the team's early-season woes. No pressure at all, right? Baleba has been sidelined due to an ankle injury, missing crucial matches against Everton, Manchester City, and Fulham. He joined United just after the team’s disappointing defeat to Hull City, getting a firsthand look at the challenges that awaited him. The stakes have only risen since then. As United gears up to face Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday, there's anticipation surrounding Baleba's possible debut. What kind of impact will he have? Can he help the team find the right rhythm, or could his introduction complicate matters even further? In the summer transfer window, United invested nearly $200m (£150m) revamping their midfield. Alongside Baleba, they secured Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Baleba's signing was seen as the final piece of a much-needed midfield overhaul. Manager Michael Carrick has utilized a double pivot of Kobbie Mainoo and Tielemans in their last four league matches, with results that have been hit or miss. Mainoo has shown promise, making a case for himself after being overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for the England World Cup squad. However, assessing Tielemans' contributions has been more complex. Statistically, Tielemans has performed well, ranking just behind Noussair Mazraoui and Mainoo for accurate passes per 90 minutes. He also covers more ground than any other United player. Yet, the team has been alarmingly vulnerable in the midfield, often leaving them exposed. Whether this is due to Bruno Fernandes's tactical role or Tielemans's challenges in defensive transitions, Carrick still hasn't struck the right balance. The chaos in United's opening five league games is evident in their one win and eight goals conceded. Baleba is expected to bring some much-needed energy to United's midfield. Known for his defensive capabilities, athleticism, and ability to handle pressure, he stated in a recent Sky Sports interview, "You need the courage to come out with the ball in difficult and risky areas." This mindset could be exactly what the team needs. For years, United has lacked a true two-way midfielder, a gap that dates back to the latter part of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign. Paul Pogba was intended to fill that role but was often mismanaged by various coaches who couldn't fully harness his attacking talents. How Carrick incorporates Baleba into the mix remains to be seen, especially with Mainoo in stellar form and Santos and Tielemans likely expecting key roles. Dropping Tielemans could risk further weakening their midfield control. Last season, Baleba ranked seventh among Brighton players for accurate passes per 90 minutes and 16th for big chances created. His numbers were affected by a lack of form and fitness, but it’s clear that United didn’t sign a natural playmaker. After being included in a matchday squad for the first time against Fulham on September 20, Baleba played in a closed-door friendly last week. He may see action against Spurs, though it’s likely he’ll start on the bench due to his lack of match fitness. Tottenham has also been grappling with midfield issues this season. Both Carrick and Spurs' Roberto De Zerbi face similar challenges, which might give United a chance to dominate the midfield, especially with the match being held at Old Trafford. However, if Carrick misjudges the balance or rushes Baleba into action too soon, it could backfire. The pressure on the manager is palpable; another disappointing result could leave him fighting for his job. While fans might hope Baleba can single-handedly turn the season around, it’s essential to remember that one player alone can’t solve deep-rooted issues stemming from years of poor recruitment and management. Still, supporters are eager to witness what their investment will bring.