Baleba’s hamstring injury leaves Manchester United short in midfield before the Aston Villa game
Carlos Baleba limped off with a hamstring injury in the Champions League win over Roma, and Michael Carrick could give no timeline for his return. The £70 million midfielder had only just found his feet at Old Trafford, and United now face Aston Villa and Liverpool without certainty over his fitness. Carlos Baleba’s progress at Manchester United has been halted by a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old pulled up holding his hamstring just after the start of the second half against Roma. He appeared to be in tears as he left the pitch. Michael Carrick consoled him on his way off. Carrick had no further news after the game. The hamstring still has to be assessed. The first signs were not good, and he could not give a timeline, he told his post-match press conference.
Baleba was winning his midfield battles before he limped off
The timing is harsh. Baleba cost £70 million in the summer, but an ankle injury picked up in pre-season with Brighton delayed his United debut. He has made only seven appearances for the club this season. Tuesday’s game was also his first start alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
He was influential while he lasted. When Youri Tielemans replaced him, Baleba had won seven of his eight duels and completed both of his attempted dribbles. Since his first United start, against Atletico Madrid on 13 October, he has won 27 duels. That is the joint-most among the club’s midfielders, and his 64.3% success rate ranks second, beIN Sports calculated.
Those numbers suggest United are losing more than a squad player. Baleba had become a key ball-winner in a midfield that had only recently had his presence.
United lose a key midfielder just as results begin to turn
The injury took some of the shine off a dramatic night at Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha scored twice but was sent off late on.
The wider picture is still difficult. United sit just above the relegation zone in the Premier League. Benjamin Sesko is out until January. Losing Baleba leaves Carrick short of options in the middle of the pitch.
Tielemans is the likely replacement. Carrick praised the midfielder in his post-match interview with MUTV. There is better news elsewhere in the squad: Patrick Dorgu is back in training after his own hamstring injury, which could help before the Villa game.
Villa visit Old Trafford on Sunday 8 November, with kick-off at 16:30 GMT. After the international break, United’s next Premier League game is away to Liverpool at Anfield.
