When will Baleba make his Man Utd debut?
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Carlos Baleba's arrival at Old Trafford has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Manchester United' form.
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Twinomugisha asked who will Baleba most likely forge a midfield partnership with at the Red Devils and how long is the Cameroon international ruled out for?
Manchester United made the signing of Carlos Baleba a pretty big deal by parading him onto the pitch before last month's Premier League victory over Ipswich.
At £70m, he is one of the most expensive players in the club's history – within the top 10 at any rate – and the biggest fee they paid this summer.
That suggests very strongly to me he is viewed as a starter in Michael Carrick's best team.
I was told before Baleba completed his move from Brighton his ankle injury is only minor and would just keep him out for a couple of weeks or so. On that basis, I would expect to see him before the international break.
The partnership aspect is interesting. I did a piece about that last week. Man Utd made midfield recruitment a summer priority, so what happens now?
On the early evidence, it will be either Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans, with either Tielemans or Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role.
However, Fernandes is certain to feature in the biggest games, which suggests Michael Carrick might occasionally play a different formation as I don't think Tielemans has been bought as a back-up either.
There is also the potential for Baleba and Andrey Santos playing together in a more defensive formation.
Carrick will rightly argue it is good to have options and competition is healthy.
It needs managing though because no-one likes continually being left out.
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