The Standard reports that Carlos Baleba made his Manchester United debut in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne Sport at Carrington on Friday afternoon. The midfielder, who had been sidelined by a pre-existing ankle injury after joining from Brighton, had not played since arriving in the summer window.
United won the match 2-1, and Baleba started after previously being an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw at Fulham. The report says his involvement is a boost ahead of next weekend’s Premier League return against Tottenham, though it does not confirm whether he will start or be in the squad.
The same report says Matthijs de Ligt also started in the friendly, marking his first appearance since November after a serious back problem. That gives United an additional defensive fitness lift, but the article stops short of saying he is fully secured for the Spurs match.
What remains unconfirmed
- Whether Baleba will be available to start against Tottenham.
- Whether de Ligt will be involved against Tottenham.