Manchester United’s fragile momentum in the Premier League has taken a severe hit after manager Michael Carrick confirmed that midfielder Carlos Baleba will be sidelined for a “number of weeks.” The 22-year-old, who joined from Brighton for a club-record £70 million this summer, was forced to withdraw from Tuesday’s dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma. Baleba lasted only minutes into the second half before clutching his hamstring, displaying visible distress and tears before receiving on-pitch treatment. His sudden exit from a high-stakes European fixture underscores the fragility of United’s current squad depth, leaving Carrick with fewer options in the engine room as the domestic season intensifies.
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Carrick, speaking to the media on Friday, offered a cautious but definitive update on the injury’s severity, stating, “We don’t know exactly, but it’ll be a number of weeks.” The manager admitted that the medical team is still assessing the full extent of the damage but ruled the player out of immediate contention. This timeline suggests a significant rehabilitation period, effectively removing Baleba from United’s rotation for the critical run of fixtures ahead. For a squad that has struggled with consistency this season, losing a key creative force for several weeks is a substantial tactical and emotional blow, particularly as United seeks to stabilize their position in the top flight.
The absence of Baleba highlights the risks associated with high-profile summer signings and the physical demands of a congested fixture list. While the 3-2 win over Roma provided a temporary boost in confidence, the injury news dampens the optimism surrounding United’s recovery efforts. Carrick must now rely on his remaining midfield options to maintain intensity and control, a challenge that will test the squad’s resilience. As the medical staff continues to monitor Baleba’s progress, United faces a difficult period where depth and tactical flexibility will be paramount to navigating the upcoming schedule without their £70m asset.
Source: Yahoo Sports
