Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is facing fresh injury concerns after confirming that Carlos Baleba sustained a hamstring injury during Tuesday night’s dramatic 3-2 victory over AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League.
The Cameroon international was forced off early in the second half at Old Trafford after pulling up in pain during an attacking move, leaving Carrick worried about the potential severity of the setback.
Baleba’s injury came at a particularly unfortunate time for the midfielder, who had only recently established himself in United’s starting line-up following an injury-disrupted beginning to his career at the club.
Speaking on the midfielder’s situation, Carrick admitted that the initial signs surrounding Baleba’s injury were worrying, although the club would need further assessments before determining the extent of the problem.
“I haven’t got any more news on Carlos at this stage, but it’s his hamstring. We’ll have to assess what that looks like but, initially, it doesn’t look great.”
Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach
The 22-year-old made an impressive start against Roma, partnering Kobbie Mainoo in midfield for the first time as the pair brought energy, physicality and technical quality to United’s engine room.
However, his evening ended painfully just after the interval when he burst forward in possession, looking to create an opportunity for himself or a teammate, before suddenly pulling up while clutching his hamstring.
With United trailing 2-0 at the time, the midfielder was visibly distressed as he received treatment before making his way off the pitch in the 51st minute.
Youri Tielemans replaced him and went on to deliver an encouraging performance as United completed a remarkable comeback to secure their first victory in 10 matches across all competitions.
The United manager will now be hoping the injury is not serious enough to rule the midfielder out for an extended period, particularly with the team beginning to show signs of improvement after a difficult run.
Another Injury Setback for Baleba
Baleba’s latest injury represents another frustrating interruption to what has been a challenging start to his Manchester United career.
The midfielder joined the Red Devils from Brighton & Hove Albion on August 25, 2026, signing a contract until June 2031, with the option of an additional year.
However, his arrival did not immediately translate into regular first-team involvement, as an ankle injury forced him to miss the opening weeks of the campaign.
The Cameroon international subsequently worked his way back to fitness and gradually became involved in Carrick’s plans, making his seventh appearance for the club against Roma.
Of those seven appearances, Baleba has started five, underlining his growing importance to the midfield despite his interrupted introduction to life at Old Trafford.
His first start alongside Mainoo against Roma offered an encouraging glimpse of what the partnership could provide, particularly in terms of ball progression, defensive coverage and physical presence.
Consequently, another spell on the treatment table would be a significant disappointment for both the player and Carrick, who will be eager to maintain consistency in his midfield selections.
United are yet to establish a definitive recovery timeline, with further medical examinations expected to provide a clearer picture of the injury.
Tielemans Makes Strong Case for Recall
While Baleba’s condition remains a major concern, Tielemans’ contribution after coming off the bench provided Carrick with an encouraging alternative.
The midfielder settled into the contest and demonstrated the personality and character required to influence a difficult match, helping United turn around a two-goal deficit.
Carrick was particularly impressed with his response after being introduced unexpectedly.
” Youri stepped into the game and showed what he’s about, his personality and character stepping into the team. He showed what he’s about. He’s a top human being, I love having him around for everything that he brings.”
Michael Carrick, Manchester United head coach
The victory was especially important for Carrick, whose team had entered the contest without a win in their previous nine matches across all competitions.
Roma Surrender a 2-goal Lead
Matias Soule and Donyell Malen had put Roma two goals ahead before Bruno Fernandes reduced the deficit from the penalty spot.
Matheus Cunha then scored twice in the closing stages to complete an extraordinary turnaround and end United’s frustrating sequence of results.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Aston Villa, with Carrick potentially having to reconsider his midfield options depending on the outcome of Baleba’s medical assessment.
Tielemans’ impressive introduction has strengthened his case for a starting opportunity, while United will be hoping their latest injury setback does not undermine the momentum generated by their crucial European comeback.
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