Man Utd receive Carlos Baleba verdict after summer signing finally makes debut

11 Oct 2026 07:40 BST 3 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Manchester United have been told Carlos Baleba was a rare positive in their disappointing draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

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The Red Devils were booed by supporters after they were outplayed in the Premier League clash with Spurs, which ended 1-1 at Old Trafford.

Despite being second best, United were in a strong position to take all three points after being let off the hook by Tottenham’s lacklustre finishing.

United have to settle for a point.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 10, 2026

Bryan Mbeumo fired United in front after 73 minutes before Spurs were reduced to ten men after substitute Rodrigo Bentancur head butted Luke Shaw.

However, United were unable to take advantage of having an extra man as they retreated to the edge of their own box before Tottenham equalised.

Lisandro Martinez got too tight to Dominic Solanke as the striker headed home from Sandro Tonali’s cross in the second minute of injury time.

It was the second time in a row that United failed to beat a side who had been reduced to ten men in a Premier League game at Old Trafford.

Spurs are level in stoppage-time! 😳 https://t.co/NoivNchgWw
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 10, 2026

Michael Carrick’s side were beaten by Manchester City on 13 September, with their rivals having lost Phil Foden to an early red card before Erling Haaland's winner.

Amidst the frustration of letting two points slip through their fingers, United have been told the performance of Baleba should provide some consolation.

The 22-year-old midfielder made his eagerly-awaited debut for United as a second-half substitute against Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham.

And various outlets scored Baleba between five and seven out of 10 when handing out their player ratings following the full-time whistle.

Giving Baleba a 5/10 rating, BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone wrote: “Introduction injected life into home fans and made plenty of tackles.”

Meanwhile, Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler - who handed Baleba a 6 - said: “What a boost it is for United to have him available. United were better with him on the field.”

Scoring Baleba 7/10, Manchester Evening News' Tyrone Marshall wrote: “Made an impact with his first touch and can see he will bring energy to this team. Calm on the ball under pressure.”

GOAL were also impressed with Baleba, giving him a 6/10 and writing: “Brought energy to the midfield for the final half-hour, helping to manage the game after the Spurs red card, though he couldn't prevent the late goal.”

Another writer who gave Baleba a 6/10 was Daily Express' Charlie Malam, who added: “Made his debut. Superb pass released Mbeumo late on as the Cameroonian showed United fans what is to come from him.”

Man Utd make worst start to a season for 40 years

Baleba will be hoping to kick on when United head to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, before travelling to Leeds United in the league next Sunday.

The Cameroon international joined the 20-time league champions from Brighton and Hove Albion in a €75.9million (£64.3m) deal in August.

Strugglers United have won just two of their eight games in 2026-27 - their worst start to a season for 40 years - and are currently 12th in the Premier League table.