EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock (17134974ci) Josh King of Fulham at full time Fulham v Crystal Palace, Premier League Football, Football, Craven Cottage, London, UK - 05 Sep 2026
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock (17134974ci) Josh King of Fulham at full time Fulham v Crystal Palace, Premier League Football, Football, Craven Cottage, London, UK - 05 Sep 2026
Fulham star Josh King has named the ‘hardest’ opponent he has faced in the Premier League as a new Manchester United signing.
The 19-year-old is increasingly looking like one of the brightest young talents in the top flight, despite Fulham struggling for results this season.
King has scored twice in the Cottagers’ first five games and has taken his tally to 44 Premier League appearances, despite not turning 20 until January.
The Londoner has been capped up to Under-21 level by England and looks very likely to make the step up to the senior team in future if he continues on his current trajectory.
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He has plenty of big challenges to come in his career, but looking back at the toughest opponent he has faced so far, it is a Red Devils midfielder that springs to mind.
Asked by the Premier League who his hardest foe has been, King said: ‘I think [Carlos] Baleba’s very good.’
That will be encouraging news for Manchester United fans, who are yet to see Carlos Baleba take to the field for them since his £70 million summer move from Brighton.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Carlos Baleba of Manchester United is unveiled as a new signing ahead of the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on August 30, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Carlos Baleba of Manchester United is unveiled as a new signing ahead of the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on August 30, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
The Cameroon international picked up an ankle injury over the summer, but was fit enough to be on the bench in the draw at Fulham on Sunday.
He will make his Manchester United debut after the current international break, unless he suffers any setback over the coming weeks.
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Red Devils boss Michael Carrick says the 22-year-old has been desperate to be involved, telling Sky: ‘He is eager. He’s super excited! It’s not always easy when you arrive at a new club and you’re not yet fully integrated into the group at training, but he handled that very well.
‘He has a great personality, he’s bursting with enthusiasm, and he’s doing everything he can to get back to competitive action.’
Baleba caught the eye during three years at Brighton (Picture: Getty Images)
King is clearly a fan of Manchester United players as he also named Bruno Fernandes as the best passer in the Premier League.
However, he also gave a nod to his teammates, notably Alex Iwobi who he reckons has the best footballing IQ in the top flight.
On players he admired most growing up, which he is still doing, King said: ‘I really liked [Andres] Iniesta growing up. Closer to home people like Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon.’
18th Marrakech International Film Festival : Opening Ceremony
18th Marrakech International Film Festival : Opening Ceremony