Youri Tielemans has been tipped to lose his place in the starting XI once Carlos Baleba is fit and available.
Currently, Manchester United’s third and final midfield signing is sidelined with an ankle injury that he sustained during pre-season.
Baleba and Tielemans: The state of play
However, fans are already anticipating how Michael Carrick’s side will shape up once the Cameroonian is cleared to play.
Tielemans started alongside fellow new recruit Andrey Santos for United’s opening-day defeat to Hull City, after which Kobbie Mainoo, who’d had a shorter pre-season due to his World Cup inclusion, was restored to the fold alongside the former Aston Villa talisman.
Kobbie Mainoo in the first half vs. Everton:
◉ Most touches (59)
◉ Most successful passes (45)
◉ Most possessions won (6)
◉ =Most passes into final third (5)
◉ =Most chances created (1)Solid opening 45. 😤 pic.twitter.com/rhI3jfFZ5q
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 6, 2026
Baleba became United’s most expensive addition of the transfer window when the Red Devils agreed a £70 million deal (£65m upfront) with Brighton and Hove Albion, so there will be an expectation that he features prominently to ensure they get their money’s worth.
Baleba will be favoured to Tielemans when fit, predicts journo
Weighing in on the situation, Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall said: “I would expect Baleba and Mainoo to be the partnership that starts the biggest games and to emerge as United’s No. 1 midfield duo.”
£50m acquisition Santos joined from Chelsea to secure more game time after growing dissatisfied with his situation when ranking behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order, but the onus is on him to impress Carrick in the opportunities he’s getting.
Meanwhile, an exact date for Baleba’s return hasn’t been given, though it is anticipated he could be available from mid-to-late September.
Carlos Baleba can do it all!@OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/leXCGphLHE
— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) August 19, 2026
United kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Sabah this Thursday evening before welcoming rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford just three days later.
Then, a Carabao Cup tie with Brighton awaits on Wednesday, September 16.
Read more: Untimely UCL blow — Carrick confirms 7.0-rated Red had to be replaced due to injury vs Everton
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