Man United duo could be axed vs Tottenham as 'powerhouse' set to start - expert

Carlos Baleba must be the missing piece for Manchester United with his debut to come against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

That is the opinion of former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 22-year-old joined the Red Devils in a £70million deal from Brighton in the summer, but has been injured for the entirety of the season so far.

The visit of Tottenham on Saturday looks bound to represent Baleba's debut, however, with both teams desperate for three points.

Michael Carrick is under huge pressure after leading Man United to just one win from their opening five Premier League games, while Tottenham are yet to get over the line.

It is not yet clear how Carrick plans to deploy his midfield, with Baleba's introduction potentially set to require a system change.

Kobbie Mainoo could make way in Man United change

So far this season, Carrick has lined his team up in a four-two-three-one, with Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo occupying the deepest areas of the midfield.

Bruno Fernandes has been situated in front of them, while a lone striker is supported by two wide men.

Baleba would almost certainly replace Mainoo or Tielemans in Carrick's current system, and it is difficult to predict his choice.

"He cost £70m. I don't know about the missing piece, he's entitled to be the missing piece if he's cost £70m," King told Football Insider.

"He's a good age, Cameroon, central holding midfield. He's a good size, he looks a strong boy. He signed in August, he was injured. It's a lot of money.

"He would certainly want to be the missing piece, I can tell you that. If you're going to be paying that kind of money. He's big and powerful, he's a good age - 22 years old.

"It'll be interesting to see how he's going to fit into midfield. He's a holding midfield player, a ball winner. They've got quite a decent midfield, Man United, when you look at it."

Where did Carlos Baleba perform best for Brighton?

Although Baleba cost £70m this summer, last season saw his levels in the Premier League drop quite substantially.

When he was at his best, the 2024-25 campaign, the Cameroon international featured at the base of the midfield alongside the likes of Diego Gomez, Yasin Ayari and Jack Hinshelwood.

It appears natural that Carrick will hand him a partner in midfield once more, but it remains unclear who he will opt for.

Mainoo has been Man United's standout so far this season, but Tielemans perhaps offers the passing range that would better suit Baleba.