Michael Carrick is waiting on the fitness of Carlos Baleba after the midfielder limped off during Manchester United's 3-2 comeback victory over Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The Cameroon international was forced off with a hamstring injury in the second half of the Champions League clash.
The Red Devils recovered from 2-0 down to secure a much-needed win, easing pressure on their under-fire manager. Carrick had overseen a nine-match winless run that raised questions over his future, and he was spared the sack after heavy defeats by Como and Bournemouth a fortnight ago. He took charge at Chelsea last weekend, where the side also lost 2-0.
Second-half turnaround
Roma went 2-0 up in the first half thanks to quick-fire strikes from Matias Soule and Donyell Malen. United rallied in the second half, however, after a dismal opening period.
Baleba was a bright spark for the home side in an otherwise poor display, showing bursts of energy from midfield and looking to support attacking moves. The damage came early in the second half, as he pulled up grasping his hamstring in agony inside the first minute after powering into the Roma box.
Fresh blow for new signing
The injury is a fresh setback for the former Brighton midfielder, who arrived in the north west in the summer with a pre-existing ankle problem that hampered the start of his time at the club.
Carrick issued an update on Baleba after the match, hoping the new signing will only be out for a short time. "I haven't got any more news on Carlos at this stage, but obviously it looks like it's his hamstring," the United head coach said. "So we'll just have to assess what that looks like. I mean, initially, it doesn't look great. Timelines? I haven't got much more to give you."
United face Aston Villa at Old Trafford this weekend before the November international break.
