(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Fulham whiz Josh King singled out Carlos Baleba as the toughest opponent he’s faced in the Premier League.
The Cottagers starlet was put on the spot regarding the ‘hardest player’ he’s come up against in the top flight, to which he replied: “I think Baleba’s very good.”
Carlos Baleba: The state of play
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: New signing Carlos Baleba of Manchester United is introduced before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on August 30, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
It’ll certainly come as music to Michael Carrick’s ears, given he has yet to utilise the Cameroonian since he signed from Brighton and Hove Albion in a £70 million deal last month.
Baleba sustained an ankle ligament injury during pre-season with the Seagulls, which kept him out of the first weeks of the campaign.
He did make the matchday squad for last Sunday’s trip to Craven Cottage but, thankfully for King, he didn’t make it off the bench – otherwise the pair would’ve locked horns again.
Carlos Baleba via Ig: “⏳” pic.twitter.com/8hs99JuXgu — utdreport (@utdreport) September 21, 2026
Now, the 22-year-old will have an extra three weeks of preparation over the international break before potentially making his maiden appearance – or even start – against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, October 10.
Carlos Baleba will be ready to go after the international break, according to the boss 👊 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 15, 2026
Who makes way for Baleba in Carrick’s XI?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Youri Tielemans of Manchester United in action during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen which midfielder Carrick will sacrifice to make way for Baleba.
Considering his stellar performances since the term began, even amid such a turbulent run of form, it’s highly unlikely to be fan-favourite Kobbie Mainoo.
◎ 296 attempted◎ 278 completed ◉ 93.92% pass accuracy Kobbie Mainoo has the best pass accuracy of any midfielder to attempt 200+ passes in the Premier League this season. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/K4p0jR3phm — Squawka (@Squawka) September 21, 2026
However, Carrick may be apprehensive to withdraw the experienced Youri Tielemans, who captained the side in Bruno Fernandes’ absence against Brighton last week.
In the meantime, one player already struggling for game time is £50m summer signing Andrey Santos.
He started on matchday one for United’s eventual 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City, and has since been deployed from the off in the Carabao Cup opener.
However, the Brazil international has been an unused substitute for the last two league outings, while he’s also accumulated just 83 minutes of action across the opening five matches.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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