Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba is nearing his first appearance for the club following an ankle injury that sidelined him for the start of the season. The 22-year-old Cameroonian international, who was signed from Brighton in August for an initial fee of £65 million with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons, has yet to play for his new team.

Baleba joined the squad shortly after their opening-weekend loss to Hull City. During his recovery, manager Michael Carrick’s side has faced significant challenges on the pitch, recording difficult results against Everton, Manchester City, and Fulham. While the club has struggled to find consistency in the early stages of the campaign, there is considerable external expectation surrounding Baleba’s arrival. Supporters and analysts are debating whether the young midfielder can provide the necessary stability to address the team's current tactical and performance issues.

As Baleba prepares for his potential debut, the focus remains on how he will integrate into a squad that is currently under pressure to improve its league standing. The financial investment in the player is significant, and his performance will likely be closely scrutinized as he attempts to justify his high transfer fee and the high expectations placed upon him by the fanbase.