Manchester United have completed a £70 million deal to sign Carlos Baleba, handing manager Michael Carrick a fresh headache over how to fit his growing list of midfield options into the starting eleven. Baleba becomes the third central midfielder to join the club this summer, following the arrivals of Santos and Youri Tielemans, as Carrick continues to reshape his squad in that area of the pitch.
With Baleba, Tielemans, Santos and Kobbie Mainoo all competing for places, Carrick now has a genuine selection dilemma when it comes to picking the double pivot that will sit behind Bruno Fernandes. The expectation among observers is that Baleba will be eased into the side alongside the more experienced Tielemans once he returns to full fitness, given the Belgian's recent move and the time needed to adapt to a new league and system.
That scenario, however, leaves questions over where several other midfielders fit into Carrick's plans. Mason Mount had looked like one of United's most impressive performers during pre-season, forming an encouraging partnership with Santos in the process. His momentum has since been disrupted by injury problems, and he was unable to feature in last weekend's defeat to Hull City. Should he return to full health, Mount's versatility could see him deployed anywhere across the front line, as a replacement for Fernandes in the No.10 role, or even in a deeper midfield position covering for Tielemans.
Mainoo's situation appears similarly uncertain. The young Englishman had seemed poised for a renewed opportunity under Carrick's management, but Baleba's arrival adds yet another rival for a midfield spot. Reports suggest Carrick sees Mainoo as a more dynamic alternative to Tielemans in the No.8 role, capable of making an impact from the bench in the closing stages of matches, while Santos is viewed as the likely deputy for Baleba himself. With that pecking order forming, Mainoo's long-term future at Old Trafford remains something of an open question.
Adding further depth to the equation is Manuel Ugarte, who is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy spell after undergoing knee surgery. Once he recovers, the Uruguayan is anticipated to serve as defensive cover for Baleba, offering a more conservative option in the pivot compared to Tielemans.
United's season got off to a difficult start with a loss to Hull City in their opening Premier League fixture. Carrick's side will look to bounce back when they host Ipswich Town at Old Trafford in their first home game of the campaign on Sunday. Given the timing of Baleba's transfer, it remains to be seen whether he will be involved from the outset or eased into contention as he builds match fitness.
One possible lineup being floated for that fixture sees Lammens in goal, with a back four of Dalot, Martinez, De Ligt and Shaw. Tielemans and Baleba would anchor midfield, with Mbeumo, Fernandes and Cunha operating just behind lone striker Sesko. Whether Carrick opts for that exact setup or makes further adjustments will become clearer as the week progresses and fitness updates emerge on both Baleba and Mount.
With so many midfield options now at his disposal, Carrick faces the type of selection problem many managers would welcome, but balancing the competing claims of youth, experience and versatility will be central to United's early-season form as they attempt to recover from their opening-day setback.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.