Manchester United have been handed a welcome boost during the international break, with Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt both moving closer to a return.
Michael Carrick’s side have endured a difficult opening to the 2026/27 season, taking only five points from their first five Premier League matches before also being knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
The timing of the latest fitness update will therefore come as a relief, particularly with Tottenham Hotspur next on the schedule.
Baleba and De Ligt close to Manchester United returns
Carlos Baleba joined Manchester United from Brighton for around £70million during the summer but has yet to make his competitive debut after arriving with an ankle problem.
The midfielder has stepped up his recovery work during the international break and has continued training at Carrington. According to the Manchester Evening News, he could even be considered for a starting place against Tottenham next weekend.
Baleba spent time at Carrington while much of the squad were away and has also joined first-team training this week. Although he has not played since May, the amount of training he has completed could put him in contention.
Matthijs de Ligt is also edging closer to a return after a lengthy absence. The Netherlands international has not played since November 2025 because of a back injury.
He has now trained with the first-team squad again and could return to the substitutes’ bench sooner rather than later, with a Champions League appearance potentially coming against Atletico Madrid or Como.
Both players were involved in Manchester United’s closed-door friendly against Lausanne, suggesting a return to the first-team is near.
Manchester United play Tottenham next on October 10 after the international break.
