How two United stars are helping Carlos Baleba prepare for his Old Trafford debut | OneFootball

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Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba is inching closer to his debut after arriving at Old Trafford this summer. The Cameroonian was the Red Devils’ final signing of the transfer window but is yet to kick a ball as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Baleba was on the bench for last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Fulham, but Michael Carrick decided against bringing him on when the team were chasing a goal. United have struggled to impress this season, despite investing over £150 million in Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

The Belgian has started every game in the Premier League so far, but the Red Devils are 12th in the league after five games, having managed just one league win. United face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford next month once the season resumes after the international break.

Baleba could finally make an appearance then, and a recent report has now outlined how the player is preparing for his debut.

Baleba’s core support structure helping him settle at Old Trafford

According to The Sun, Baleba has maintained his core support system to ensure a smooth transition to life at Old Trafford. The report states: “SunSport understands the former Brighton midfielder has deliberately maintained much of the same structure around him that helped him flourish on the south coast.”

“His private chef remains part of his team, his sister lives with him and his long-time manager Patrick continues to be a major presence in his life. Patrick helped take Baleba to Lille as a teenager before overseeing his move to Brighton, and was alongside him throughout the long road that eventually led to United.”

“That familiar support network has helped minimise the frustration of arriving at his dream club unable to immediately get on the pitch.”

Cameroon manager has also lent a helping hand

Cameroon boss David Pagou has revealed that he has regularly maintained contact with the player to help him realise his potential. Speaking to The Sun, Pagou said: “I have always been in contact with Carlos but even more these days because we want him to get to the very top.”

“I haven’t called him for this international mainly because he’s injured but also because we want him to take his time and adapt well.”

“He’s wanted this chance but I told him the way to succeed is just get your head down, work hard and listen to your managers. You already have the talent, just block out the noise and you’ll be a success there.”

Bryan Mbeumo is playing a key role

The report goes on to state that Bryan Mbeumo is playing a key role in helping Baleba settle in quickly at Old Trafford. The two have shared the dressing room previously with Cameroon, but were not too close.

However, that has changed since the young midfielder arrived at the Theatre of Dreams, with the report continuing: “Mbeumo has quickly taken his compatriot under his wing. He has helped show Baleba around Manchester and has effectively acted as a big brother during his first few weeks at the club.”

United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is currently on loan at Trabzonspor, has also reached out to Baleba. The report adds: “Onana is another senior figure Baleba can call upon and has made it clear to the midfielder that if he needs anything to help make Manchester feel like home, he only has to ask.”

Final Thoughts

United’s slow start to the season has put further pressure on Baleba even before he has kicked a ball for his new team. Supporters are already hoping that the Cameroonian can prove to be the club’s saviour and help get that back on track.

That has added to the pressure on the player to hit the ground running. However, with the right people around him, there is no reason why Baleba cannot reach the level that is already expected of him at the Theatre of Dreams.