Carlos Baleba is yet to make his Manchester United debut after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season, before his transfer to Old Trafford was even completed.
The 21-year-old midfielder remains sidelined heading into Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford, with manager Michael Carrick having set out an expected recovery window on August 28. Manchester United go into the match still searching for a response after Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City, settled by an Erling Haaland goal that Pro Ref later acknowledged should not have stood.
Luke Shaw, who has missed United’s last two matches, is also unavailable, though Carrick indicates the left-back is nearing a return. More detail on Shaw’s recent absence can be found in our report, Carrick Explains Luke Shaw Absence.
Carlos Baleba Injury Latest and Manchester United Team News
Baleba picked up his ankle problem during pre-season, before his move to United was finalised, and has not featured in a matchday squad since. Carrick confirmed the issue publicly on August 28, giving supporters their clearest picture yet of when the summer signing might be available. United have had to manage without him through the opening weeks of the season, including Sunday’s derby defeat, and he remains out for Wednesday’s visit of Brighton.
The defeat to City has added further pressure on Carrick to strengthen his options, with Haaland’s disputed goal proving decisive. Pro Ref’s admission of an error does not change the result, leaving United to focus on the games ahead rather than the derby outcome.
Michael Carrick Confirms Carlos Baleba and Luke Shaw Timelines
Speaking to reporters on August 28, Carrick set out his expectation for Baleba’s recovery. “He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks,” he said. Carrick added: “We’ll see. We knew that before, so it’s no major issue. It’ll be great to have him back when we can.”
That timeline, given roughly two and a half weeks ago, suggests Baleba’s return could fall around the current run of fixtures, though Carrick has not issued a more precise update since.
On Shaw, Carrick told Sky Sports the defender was not quite fit enough to face Manchester City. “Luke is not quite ready,” he said, before playing down the severity of the issue. “But he is very close. It’s very small but, unfortunately, not for today.” Further background on the defender’s fitness is available in Man Utd injury news: Carrick provides de Ligt and Luke Shaw updates.
Manchester United Midfield Options Ahead of Brighton Carabao Cup Clash
With Baleba still sidelined, Carrick must again pick his midfield without the club’s summer addition when Brighton visit Old Trafford. The squad’s injury list continues to shape his selection choices beyond that single absence.
Manuel Ugarte remains out after suffering a serious knee injury during the World Cup, an issue expected to keep him sidelined for several months. Amad Diallo, who sustained his own injury in pre-season, is also yet to feature for United this season, leaving Carrick short of attacking and midfield options simultaneously.
There is more encouraging news elsewhere in the squad. Matthijs de Ligt has returned to training having been out since November last year with a back injury, giving Carrick a lift as he manages his defensive resources, even though no return date for first-team action has been confirmed. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also working his way back after picking up a hamstring injury in training.
Upcoming Fixture Schedule and Return Dates for Manchester United
United’s next fixture is Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford, a game that gives Carrick the chance to rotate his squad following Sunday’s derby defeat. Neither Baleba nor Shaw has been ruled out entirely, though Carrick’s comments suggest both are approaching fitness rather than certainties to start.
Baleba’s original two-to-three-week estimate, issued on August 28, points towards continued absence for the Brighton match, with Carrick yet to confirm an exact date for his debut. Shaw’s description as “very close” suggests his return could come in the near future, though Carrick has not named a specific fixture for his comeback.
For the full detail behind Carrick’s comments on Baleba, Shaw and the rest of the squad, supporters can consult the original Manchester Evening News injury report.
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