Manchester United have received a major boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham tomorrow.
According to journalist Steven Railston, Carlos Baleba has travelled with the Man United squad to London to face the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.
Baleba joined United from Brighton & Hove Albion for an initial fee of £65 million this summer.
The Red Devils had made an approach for the midfielder last year, but Brighton quickly rejected their advances.
United subsequently backed away after learning that the Seagulls wanted more than £100m to part ways with their prized midfielder.
However, the club eventually returned to the negotiating table and completed a deal for their long-term target last month.
Baleba suffered an ankle injury during pre-season at Brighton, but United remained committed to signing the midfielder despite the setback.
The 22-year-old could now make his long-awaited United debut against Fulham tomorrow.
Manager Michael Carrick has already labelled Baleba a “quality player” and suggested that he could make a significant difference in midfield.
The youngster endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign but possesses the physicality and potential to develop into a dominant midfield enforcer.
Baleba is viewed as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, meaning his performances are likely to come under intense scrutiny from the media.
It was initially expected that the Cameroon international would not return until after the October international break, but his recovery appears to have progressed faster than anticipated.
We expect Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans to start in midfield tomorrow, but Baleba could be introduced in the second half to make an immediate impact.
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