Carlos Baleba - General
Manchester United made a dramatic comeback against Roma in the Champions League, but it came at a cost, with Carlos Baleba forced off shortly after half-time because of a suspected hamstring injury. Michael Carrick admitted that the early signs were worrying, leaving the midfielder’s availability for Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa in doubt.
Carlos Baleba injury leaves United waiting
Baleba had started alongside Kobbie Mainoo for the first time. However, his evening ended soon after the restart. The midfielder, who plays international football for Cameroon, drove forward towards the Roma penalty area and appeared ready to shoot or create a chance before suddenly stopping and reaching for his hamstring. He was visibly upset as he left the pitch. The injury was a concern for Carrick, who had little information to share after the match.
As per Manchester United’s official website, Carrick confirmed that the problem involved Baleba’s hamstring and said the club would need to assess him before knowing more. He added that the initial signs were not encouraging.
Carrick also praised Youri Tielemans, who came on to replace the injured midfielder. Carrick praised his character and the qualities he brings to the squad. Tielemans has now put himself in contention to start against his former club, Aston Villa, this weekend.
United complete remarkable Roma comeback
The injury happened during a match that had already put United under serious pressure. Roma went 2-0 ahead in the first half, with Matias Soule opening the scoring before Donyell Malen converted a penalty. United looked set for another defeat, but their response after the break changed the game.
Bruno Fernandes gave the hosts a route back into the game with a retaken penalty just before the hour. United continued to push, and Matheus Cunha became the match-winner by scoring twice in the final stages. His goals, six minutes apart, turned a difficult evening into a 3-2 victory and gave Carrick a much-needed result in front of a relieved home crowd.
As reported by Metro, the win came after a poor run that had left United facing one of their worst starts to a season in decades. Carrick said the players showed character and quality when the game was slipping away, and praised the Old Trafford crowd for helping drive the comeback.
Baleba’s Brighton stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Chances Created Defensive Contributions Duels Won(%)
Premier League 31 9 209 50%
FA Cup 1 – 2 75%
EFL Cup 3 3 14 52.2%
Carlos Baleba - General
Tielemans could get chance against Villa
Baleba’s injury now gives United another selection problem. The midfielder had been trying to make his mark following his move from Brighton, and a lengthy absence would be a setback after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford. Former United midfielder Nicky Butt also suggested on Amazon Prime that the injury could keep Baleba out for a while, although the club has not confirmed a recovery period.
Carrick said he had no further update and that medical checks would be needed before a clearer picture emerged. United will hope the assessment brings better news, but his comments suggest they are preparing for the possibility of a spell without the Cameroon international. Losing another midfielder would also make Carrick’s team selection harder.
The next test comes quickly, with Aston Villa visiting Old Trafford on Sunday. Tielemans’ display against Roma has strengthened his case for a place in the starting side. United, who sit 17th in both the Premier League and Champions League, need to build on their comeback rather than let it become an isolated result. The club must now wait for the medical assessment.