Carlos Baleba in line for Manchester United debut on October 10

Carlos Baleba, who completed a summer move from Brighton and Hove Albion to Manchester United, had not made his official debut for the club as of October 7, 2026. He has been working back from an ankle problem sustained before joining United.

Baleba joined Manchester United in a deal reported to be worth up to £70 million and signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford. His arrival formed part of a midfield overhaul that also included Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. The Cameroon international has spent the weeks since his transfer focusing on rehabilitation rather than first-team action.

Baleba arrived at Old Trafford carrying an ankle injury sustained during Brighton’s pre-season friendly against Strasbourg. He was out of first-team contention for over a month after suffering the problem. That spell on the sidelines has delayed any competitive appearance for his new club.

Having returned to full fitness, Baleba made his first unofficial appearance for Manchester United on October 2, playing in a closed-door friendly against Swiss side Lausanne-Sport at Carrington. Prior to that outing he had been an unused substitute in United’s Premier League match against Fulham on September 20. The October 2 session represented his first game action in United colours since signing.

Head coach Michael Carrick said during the closed-door friendly that Baleba is “pushing to get back as quickly as possible” from his injury. Baleba could become the fifth player to make a competitive debut under Carrick if selected for the next match. He is unlikely to start and will likely come on as a second-half substitute, according to the club’s assessment of his readiness.

Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko will face late fitness tests to see if they will play any part in the upcoming fixture. Those assessments may influence Manchester United’s matchday options.

Baleba is in line to make his official Manchester United debut against Tottenham Hotspur on October 10. The outcome of the late fitness tests for Rashford, Mainoo and Sesko will be confirmed ahead of that match and could affect squad selection.