Baleba offers United fresh midfield option after Spurs draw
Carlos Baleba made his Manchester United debut against Tottenham, and Senne Lammens praised the second-half substitutes for giving the Reds fresh energy in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Lammens said the changes helped United improve, with Baleba among those introduced as Michael Carrick’s side took control after the break. The goalkeeper told the Manchester Evening News: “We needed that extra spark a little bit in the end, that fresh legs.”
The endorsement came after Bryan Mbeumo had put United ahead, only for Dominic Solanke to equalise in stoppage time. The late goal denied United a win, but Baleba’s first appearance offered a positive note from a frustrating afternoon.
Baleba’s debut brought a change in midfield
Baleba replaced Youri Tielemans in the second half. The Peoples Person reported that the midfielder won the ball, recycled possession, created chances and helped dictate the contest in the middle of the park.
United had been held back before the break, with Lammens acknowledging that the team needed to improve both in and out of possession. Carrick made tactical adjustments at half-time, then turned to Baleba, Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee around the hour mark.
Mbeumo broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, but Solanke’s stoppage-time header meant United finished with only a point. Baleba’s contribution was therefore part of a recovery that did not deliver the result the home side wanted.
| Match detail | United moment | Tottenham moment | Result |
| Baleba’s debut | Mbeumo scored in the 73rd minute | Solanke equalised in stoppage time | 1-1 at Old Trafford |
Lammens points to depth and a response
Lammens’ comments were about the substitutes collectively, rather than a separate assessment of Baleba alone. He said their effect was familiar from training and argued that players across the squad would need to contribute during the season.
“We know we have a very deep squad. So yeah, those people are going to have to step up as well this season, and I’m happy they were able to do that today.” – Senne Lammens, speaking to the Manchester Evening News
That is the wider point for United: Baleba has now made his first appearance, while the demands of the campaign will require more than a settled starting group. Lammens’ praise recognised the effect of the changes without disguising that the side let a lead slip.
The midfielder had described his first United appearance as a dream moment despite the draw, according to The Peoples Person. His debut now gives Carrick another option in midfield as the team moves into a busy run of fixtures.
Lammens also credited the half-time adjustments for helping United feel more in control after a difficult opening period. He said the team needed to carry the improved elements forward while learning from what had gone wrong.
Atletico Madrid is next for United
United travel to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. The quick turnaround leaves little time to dwell on the dropped points against Spurs, and Baleba’s first outing gives Carrick a fresh selection consideration for the next match.
“So I think that’s what the feeling we have to get. We know we showed a lot of good things as well today, so take those things and learn from the bad things.” – Senne Lammens, speaking to the Manchester Evening News
Lammens said the squad had important games coming and that the players were glad to compete in them. United’s next response will have to come in Madrid, with the Spurs draw leaving both the value of the substitutes and the cost of conceding late firmly in view.
