Carlos Baleba is yet to make his Manchester United debut after joining from Brighton in a £70million move, with an injury delaying his start at the club
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba was one of three midfielders to join Man United in the summer(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Carlos Baleba has deliberately kept much of his close-knit support network around him following his move from Brighton to Manchester United as he looks to settle into life at Old Trafford. The midfielder completed his blockbuster summer switch from the south coast, but an ankle ligament injury has delayed the start of his United career.
Baleba suffered the injury early in Brighton's pre-season and was always facing a race against time to recover before the first international break of the campaign. With a three-week break now giving United an extended period away from competitive action, the midfielder has more time to build up his fitness ahead of a potential debut when Tottenham visit Old Trafford on October 10.
"He'll be back in and around the group at some point over the next week or so, so that means after international, he should be in good shape," said head coach Michael Carrick. "Carlos came here injured and he's desperate to get out there, be part of the group and train fully with the boys.
"I've said before, obviously, he's a quality player, that's why we brought him, and he balances the dynamics of the midfield particularly well."
Despite being sidelined since arriving in Manchester, Baleba has made a point of keeping key members of his support network close. According to The Sun, he has retained his private chef, while his sister lives with him and his long-time manager Patrick remains a significant presence in his life.
Patrick has played an important role throughout Baleba's career.
He helped take the Cameroonian to Lille as a teenager before later being involved in his move to Brighton. Patrick was also present throughout Baleba's move to Old Trafford, which had been a year in the making. United had been strongly linked with the midfielder last year, but Brighton stood firm on their stance that the 22-year-old would not be leaving the club.
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Baleba has also developed a closer relationship with fellow Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo since arriving at United. The pair were not particularly close despite sharing a dressing room for their country, but Mbeumo is understood to have quickly taken his compatriot under his wing.
The United forward is understood to have helped Baleba settle into his new surroundings by showing him around Manchester and has effectively taken on a big-brother role during his first few weeks at the club.
A year later, Baleba finally got his wish as the Seagulls reached an agreement with United for his move to Manchester. "I'm very patient," he said after having to wait for the move to happen. "I can be patient, no problem. I'm not someone who rushes or wants to rush things."
Baleba was United's third midfield signing of the summer, following the £50m arrival of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and the £35m deal to bring in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.