Michael Carrick fears major Carlos Baleba injury blow despite Man United’s Champions League comeback win

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has admitted that Carlos Baleba’s injury “doesn’t look great” after the midfielder was forced off during their dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, November 3.

The result provided a much-needed boost for United, who ended a run of eight matches without a win across all competitions with an important comeback victory after recovering from a two-goal deficit.

However, the celebrations were tempered by concerns over Baleba, one of the club’s marquee summer signings, who appeared to suffer a hamstring injury shortly after the restart.

The midfielder was unable to continue and was substituted just a few minutes into the second half, raising immediate concerns about the severity of the problem.

Speaking after the match, Carrick offered little reassurance about the player’s condition, admitting that the initial assessment was not encouraging.

“I haven’t got any more news on Carlos at this stage,” he said.

“It’s his hamstring, so we’ll just have to assess what that looks like. Initially, it doesn’t look great. Timelines, I haven’t got much more to give you.”

Baleba injury overshadows crucial United victory

Baleba’s injury represents a potentially significant setback for Carrick, particularly given the midfielder’s importance to United’s plans following his arrival during the summer transfer window.

The 45-year-old manager will now have to wait for further medical assessments to determine the extent of the damage and how long the midfielder could be sidelined.

Although Carrick confirmed that the problem involved Baleba’s hamstring, he declined to speculate on a possible recovery period, insisting that the club needed more information before providing an update.

The timing of the injury will also be frustrating for United, who had been seeking to build momentum after a difficult spell that had intensified scrutiny of Carrick’s position.

Champions League comeback eases pressure on Carrick

United’s victory over Roma offered some relief to Carrick after a disappointing run of results across competitions.

The hosts found themselves two goals behind but produced an impressive response to secure a 3-2 win in front of their home supporters.

Ending their eight-game winless run was particularly important for Carrick, whose position had come under increasing pressure amid the team’s struggles.

The victory provides an opportunity for United to rebuild confidence and restore belief within the squad as they look to improve their performances in the coming fixtures.

However, Baleba’s condition remains an immediate concern, with United potentially facing another spell without an important midfield option.