Carrick: Baleba’s hamstring “doesn’t look great” after United’s 3-2 win over Roma

Michael Carrick, the manager of Manchester United, said Carlos Baleba’s injury “doesn’t look great” after the midfielder was forced off with a hamstring problem during Tuesday’s 3-2 Champions League victory against AS Roma at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old left the field clearly upset as he was substituted early in the second half.

Baleba was a £70 million ($94 million) summer signing whose United debut was postponed until after the September–October international break. When he made his bow less than a month ago he made an impression in a United side that had been struggling, and Tuesday marked only his seventh start for the Red Devils as he appeared to be settling in before this setback.

Shortly into the second half at Old Trafford, Baleba pulled up while clutching his hamstring and was replaced; Carrick was seen consoling the player as he left the pitch.

“I haven’t got any more news on Carlos at this stage,” said Carrick. “It’s his hamstring, so we’ll just have to assess what that looks like. Initially, it doesn’t look great. Timelines, I haven’t got much more to give you.”

United have scheduled Baleba to remain at Carrington throughout the international break so the club’s medical staff can carry out further evaluations. He will probably undergo tests and scans in the coming days to determine the precise extent of the problem.

Staff, players and supporters are hopeful the damage is very slight, but early visual signs have created a nervous wait and the manager sounded concerned about the situation. Carrick also implied that he anticipates a lengthy layoff for the £70 million ($94 million) summer acquisition.

Baleba is set to stay with United for further assessment during the international break and it is quite likely that he will miss Aston Villa’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.