Carlos Baleba showed he is ready to make his debut for Manchester United after proving his fitness and moving the ball around well in a friendly during the international break.
The summer signing from Brighton & Hove Albion played on Friday as United faced Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, getting his first minutes in a United shirt since arriving at Old Trafford.
Baleba joined United carrying an ankle injury and has been working his way back to full fitness since completing his move.
Michael Carrick recently revealed that the midfielder was "pushing to get back as quickly as possible" as he continued his rehabilitation.
Read also
The Cameroon international moved closer to first-team involvement when he was named in United's matchday squad for the Premier League trip to Fulham before the international break.
Baleba remained an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, but his appearance against Lausanne represents another important stage in his recovery.
The 22-year-old is now building up his match fitness ahead of United's return to competitive action, with Tottenham Hotspur due at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Baleba was joined by several senior players who have remained at Carrington during the international break, while a number of United's promising Academy players were also given valuable first-team experience.
Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha were among the senior players involved, with the behind-closed-doors fixture providing Carrick with an opportunity to give minutes to members of his squad who have not been away on international duty.
Baleba showed his physical prowess in the behind doors friendly at Carrington
The game also provided a reunion for two players with recent United connections.
Sekou Kone, who joined Lausanne on loan for the 2026/27 season, returned to Carrington with the Swiss club, while former United Academy defender Tyler Fredricson was also part of the visiting squad after completing a permanent move to Lausanne during the summer.
The pair were able to catch up with former teammates and staff during Lausanne's visit to Manchester.
For United, however, the biggest takeaway was Baleba's involvement.
After arriving from Brighton with his injury already known to the club, the midfielder has had to be patient before taking his first steps towards competitive football.
His appearance against Lausanne now gives Carrick a further indication of his fitness as United prepare to return to Premier League action against Tottenham.
The next stage could be Baleba's first competitive appearance for the club against Spurs.
loading
Popular News
Loading
