Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has received a timely double injury boost ahead of the club’s return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur. Following an international window in which United added four names to their growing injury list, Carrick welcomed back key defensive and midfield figures during a private fixture at Carrington. The return of squad depth comes at a crucial moment for United, who recently stuttered to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage in west London.
To build match fitness for returning stars and squad players not away on international duty, Manchester United hosted affiliate club Lausanne Sport in a secret behind-closed-doors friendly. United secured a 2-1 victory over the Swiss Super League outfit, who are owned by INEOS. The fixture provided vital competitive minutes for several senior stars, including central defender Harry Maguire and forward Matheus Cunha, who both featured from the start alongside other first-team figures who were not called up by their respective national teams.
The closed-doors encounter saw midfielder Carlos Baleba make his highly-anticipated debut for Manchester United. Baleba was named in the starting lineup at Carrington after remaining an unused substitute during the recent 1-1 draw at Fulham. Having missed out on getting onto the pitch in west London, the midfielder delivered a strong starting performance in central midfield against Lausanne Sport. His inclusion hands Carrick a valuable new option in the engine room as United prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
Defensively, the return of Matthijs de Ligt represents a major milestone in the Dutch defender’s recovery. De Ligt started in central defence against Lausanne Sport, making his first match appearance since November of last year. The center-back previously underwent surgery in May to correct a nagging back problem, an injury that forced him out of action and ruled him out of participation in this summer’s World Cup. After returning to first-team training in recent weeks, De Ligt escalated his rehabilitation process by starting the Carrington friendly.
De Ligt’s successful turnout in the friendly raises the real possibility of a swift competitive comeback, with the defender potentially in line for selection in next weekend’s Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur. With United aiming to build momentum following a tough stretch where Carrick needed a positive result and the side had managed just one league win prior to the Fulham draw, having both Baleba and De Ligt available provides a significant lift. Carrick can now evaluate his options carefully as he integrates these key players back into top-flight action.
