Manchester United suffered an injury blow against Roma in the Champions League as Carlos Baleba pulled up with an issue early in the second period
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba cut an emotional figure after picking up an injury(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Manchester United star Carlos Baleba cut an emotional figure as he pulled up injured just seconds into the second half of his side's Champions League clash with Roma. The summer signing quickly clutched his hamstring and appeared to be in tears as he received treatment on the turf.
The midfielder had carried the ball through the lines of the Italian team's defence before pulling up in Roma's box. Baleba had moved into a dangerous area before he ignored the ball, overwhelmed by pain.
The 22-year-old grimaced and soon covered his face as medical staff came on to provide treatment. It was immediately obvious he would not be able to continue.
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Youri Tielemans was summoned from the bench and entered the fray, while Baleba could only hobble around the field back towards the dugout accompanied by a physio as Amazon Prime commenter Jon Champion said: "He looks in considerable distress, here."
"For the first time they were able to unlock that back five with a run in behind and a pass into the path of Baleba," Alan Shearer added on commentary. "He did ever so well to get there, and I think once he gets to that byline is he going to cross it, and then all of a sudden you see him pull up with that right hamstring, and it doesn't look good at all."
Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba of Manchester United pulls up injured(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Baleba had looked to inject some pace into a Manchester United side that had looked hapless during the first 45 minutes at Old Trafford. Woeful defending saw the home side 2-0 following the opening period, as Matias Soule and Donyell Malen got on the scoresheet.
The injury-stricken star's efforts seemed to spark his teammates into life, however, as United produced a more commanding start to the second half. Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot to narrow the deficit as the crowd was finally given a reason to cheer as Carrick's team showed an improved attitude.
"The penalty and getting the goal makes a big difference, but since then the energy and desire to get the ball, we are seeing a few more tackles and that lifts the crowd," Wayne Rooney commented. "The crowd are now getting behind the team, and it gives them a bit more belief that they get can something out of the game.
Baleba's issue will be a bitter blow to the former Brighton star, who missed the start of his United career due to injury as well. The youngster has made seven appearances for the club and only made his debut last month as he recovered from an ankle injury.