Carrick says when Baleba will be fit for Man Utd as midfield offers 'massive potential'

Michael Carrick says when Carlos Baleba will be ready to play for Manchester United after recovering from an ankle injury.

And the United boss believes that Baleba can bring greater balance to United's midfield after completing his move from Brighton.

The 22-year-old Cameroon international joined United earlier this week, but fans may have to wait a little longer to see the club's latest signing in action.

Speaking ahead of United's meeting with Ipswich Town, Carrick described Baleba as a player with "massive potential" and said his arrival gives the manager more options in midfield.

“Yeah, listen, we're delighted to have Carlos. He has huge potential, massive potential. It's a really exciting signing for us.

“The quality that he has, and attributes he has offsets the balance of the group a little bit. Different strengths, different combinations.

“For us to have that, we're absolutely delighted to have him. There's so much more to come from him as well, which, with the player that he already is, with that little bit more to come, is exciting for us.”

Baleba has established himself as one of the Premier League's most highly rated young midfielders during his time at Brighton, and Carrick believes there is still plenty of room for the 22-year-old to improve.

His arrival gives United another powerful option in the centre of the pitch, with Baleba capable of contributing both defensively and in possession.

Carrick's comments about balance are particularly interesting given United's recent midfield rebuild.

The club have also strengthened the centre of the pitch with the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, giving the manager a wider range of profiles and combinations to choose from.

However, United supporters will have to wait before seeing Baleba make his debut.

The midfielder arrived at Old Trafford carrying a minor ankle problem, which Carrick confirmed could keep him out for the next few weeks.

Asked when fans could expect to see Baleba, the United boss said:

“Yeah, he's got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks. We'll see.

“We knew that before, so it's no major issue. It'll be great to have him back when we can.”

Carrick also provided updates on Mason Mount and Amad ahead of the Ipswich game.

Amad will not be available this weekend and is expected to remain sidelined for a little longer, while there was more positive news regarding Mount.

“Yeah, Amad won't be involved this week. He’ll be out for a little bit longer. Mason's back around the group, which is great. He trained this week, so that's a real positive for us.”

For now, Baleba's debut will have to wait.

But Carrick's assessment makes clear why United were so keen to bring him to Old Trafford.

United have signed an established Premier League midfielder at just 22 – and their manager believes there is still "massive potential" waiting to be unlocked.