Manchester United's £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba is preparing for his biggest challenge yet, with the Cameroon midfielder expected to play a crucial role in solving Michael Carrick's midfield problems.
The 22-year-old arrived from Brighton on 25 August as United's most expensive signing of the summer, but an ankle injury has delayed his competitive debut.
With United sitting 12th in the Premier League after collecting just five points from their opening five matches, expectations surrounding Baleba are growing.
Saturday's home clash against bottom-placed Tottenham could offer the midfielder his first opportunity to make an impact, although United may have to wait until after the international break to introduce him.
Baleba was signed to strengthen a defensive midfield position that has troubled United since Casemiro's departure in May.
Carrick has struggled to find the right balance, with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans starting together in the club's previous four league matches.
Although both players possess strong technical qualities, United have frequently been exposed defensively, particularly when opponents break through midfield.
The statistics highlight their struggles. United are among four Premier League teams yet to keep a clean sheet and have conceded at least twice in four of their seven matches across all competitions.
Their defensive problems were further exposed when Brighton overturned a two-goal deficit at Old Trafford to eliminate United from the EFL Cup.
Baleba's athleticism and defensive awareness could provide the protection Carrick's side desperately need.
Despite limited training opportunities, Baleba has already made a positive impression at Carrington.
"Very quick," one United insider said when assessing the midfielder. "He covers the ground really well."
His ability to cover large areas of the pitch could help United regain possession more effectively and reduce the defensive vulnerability that has contributed to their poor start.
Andrey Santos offers similar mobility, but Baleba brings a different physical presence to United's midfield options.
The Cameroon international has participated in several training sessions and featured in a behind-closed-doors match against Swiss side Lausanne-Sports on 2 October.
He was also named among the substitutes for United's 1-1 draw against Fulham on 20 September.
However, his limited involvement means Carrick and his coaching staff are still assessing how quickly he can adapt to the team's tactical requirements.
United's recruitment department had been monitoring Baleba long before completing his transfer from Brighton.
The midfielder initially attracted attention following an impressive 2024-25 campaign, when his performances reportedly generated interest from Real Madrid.
Although his form declined during the following season, United remained convinced of his long-term potential.
Brighton sources dismissed suggestions that speculation surrounding a possible United move in the summer of 2025 had distracted the midfielder.
United had previously explored moves for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes before identifying Baleba as their preferred option.
With Brighton reportedly demanding considerably more than £100m in August 2025, United believe securing his signature for £70m represents good value.
However, that assessment will ultimately depend on his performances.
Fernandes' difficult start at Tottenham serves as a reminder that substantial transfer fees do not guarantee immediate success.
Away from the pitch, Baleba has been gradually settling into his new surroundings.
The midfielder initially appeared shy and nervous, partly because English is not his strongest language. However, his communication skills have improved considerably since moving from Lille to Brighton for £23.2m in 2023.
Baleba has developed a close friendship with United winger Amad Diallo, with both players spending time together while recovering from injuries.
Their relationship has been strengthened by their shared African backgrounds and friendly international rivalry.
Amad recently shared a social media video showing Baleba joking with him following Cameroon's victory over Ivory Coast in a friendly on 3 October.
Baleba also has existing connections with Leny Yoro, his former Lille team-mate, and Bryan Mbeumo through international football.
His outgoing personality has helped him establish relationships across the squad, including with Patrick Dorgu.
Those connections could prove important as Baleba adjusts to the expectations of playing for Manchester United.
Baleba's journey to Old Trafford has been shaped by remarkable determination and personal loss.
Growing up in Cameroon, he developed his footballing abilities through demanding training sessions organised by his father.
Baleba has credited that discipline with helping him become a professional footballer.
His dedication also stemmed from a promise to his mother that he would build her a house in Douala.
Although he eventually fulfilled that promise, his mother died just months before he left Lille, meaning she never saw the completed home.
The midfielder continues to draw motivation from her memory, something he discussed in an interview with The Guardian in April 2025.
His resilience has been a defining feature of his career, from his early footballing days in Cameroon to his moves across European football.
Baleba's determination extends beyond football and is reflected in his admiration for Japanese manga.
In a September 2023 interview with French magazine Onze Mondial, he revealed that his favourite series is Fist of the North Star, particularly its main character, Kenshiro.
"When he started out, everyone beat him up, he got covered in scars, then he became strong," Baleba explained.
"After that, he was the one beating everyone up. He never gave up. I like that attitude."
That philosophy has helped Baleba overcome setbacks throughout his career.
His journey has taken him from missing a Cameroon Cup match because of a school examination to preparing for the demands of Premier League football at Old Trafford.
Manchester United face a challenging run of fixtures, beginning with Tottenham before three consecutive away matches.
Champions League encounters against Atletico Madrid and Como surround a Premier League trip to Leeds United, increasing the importance of finding a solution to their midfield problems.
Baleba's potential debut could provide Carrick with greater defensive stability, mobility and energy in the centre of the pitch.
However, expecting a 22-year-old recovering from injury to immediately transform United's fortunes would place an unreasonable burden on his shoulders.
His £70m price tag guarantees scrutiny, but his long-term development will be more important than any single performance.
For Baleba, the challenge is to reproduce the qualities that made him one of the Premier League's most promising young midfielders.
For Manchester United, the hope is that their biggest summer investment can help restore balance to a team struggling for consistency.
The examination awaiting Baleba at Old Trafford will be considerably different from those he faced as a schoolboy, but his determination to succeed remains unchanged.
