Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba is facing a frustrating start to life at Old Trafford as the club continues to struggle for consistent results under manager Michael Carrick. The Cameroonian international joined United from Brighton during the summer transfer window with high expectations, but the team’s disappointing performances have raised fresh questions about the club’s progress and ambitions.
United’s recent 4-1 defeat against Como in the Champions League has intensified the pressure surrounding Carrick and his players. The result was another difficult moment for a side that has struggled to find consistency, with supporters increasingly concerned about the team’s defensive organisation, midfield control and inability to compete effectively against well-organised opponents.
Although there is no independently verified statement confirming that Baleba has publicly expressed unhappiness about United’s recent form, the midfielder’s situation provides an interesting talking point following the club’s latest setback.
The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford hoping to help restore United to the highest level of European football. However, the current results demonstrate that improving the club’s fortunes will require more than individual talent.
Manchester United Suffer Another Disappointing Defeat
United’s 4-1 loss against Como on October 21, 2026, represented another painful result in an increasingly difficult period for Carrick’s team.
Como made an aggressive start and took the lead inside the opening minutes, immediately putting United under pressure. The Italian side continued to exploit weaknesses in the visitors’ defensive structure, moving the ball confidently and creating opportunities in dangerous areas.
Nico Paz was one of Como’s standout performers, scoring twice and contributing significantly to the home side’s victory. Tasos Douvikas also found the net, while United struggled to contain their opponents throughout the contest.
Joshua Zirkzee scored a late consolation goal, but it did little to change the overall picture.
According to Sky Sports, the defeat extended United’s winless run to seven matches across all competitions, increasing the pressure on Carrick ahead of the club’s next Premier League fixture. The manager described the performance as unacceptable and acknowledged the team’s shortcomings.
The result was particularly disappointing because United entered the season with expectations of making progress after investing heavily in their squad.
For Baleba, who was brought in to strengthen the midfield, the team’s current difficulties underline the size of the challenge facing the new arrivals.
Why Baleba’s Arrival Was Important
Manchester United signed Baleba from Brighton in August 2026 in a deal reported to be worth £70 million, including potential add-ons.
The Cameroon international signed a five-year contract with the option of an additional year, becoming part of United’s broader effort to rebuild their midfield.
His arrival was viewed as an important move because United needed greater physicality, mobility and defensive strength in the middle of the pitch.
Baleba had attracted attention during his time at Brighton because of his ability to recover possession, carry the ball forward and compete in demanding midfield battles.
Those qualities made him an attractive option for United, who have struggled at times to control matches against opponents capable of pressing aggressively and attacking quickly.
The midfielder also arrived with Premier League experience, giving the club reason to believe he could adapt more quickly than a player arriving from a completely different football environment.
However, his arrival alone was never going to solve every problem at Old Trafford.
A successful midfield depends on coordination between players, effective defensive positioning and clear tactical instructions. Even talented individuals can struggle when the overall team structure is not functioning properly.
United must therefore ensure that Baleba has the support and tactical environment needed to demonstrate his best qualities.
The Midfield Problems United Must Address
One of the biggest concerns following the defeat to Como was United’s inability to control the central areas of the pitch.
Como moved the ball effectively, exploited gaps between United’s midfield and defence, and repeatedly found opportunities to advance towards goal.
These problems placed additional pressure on United’s defenders and made it difficult for the visitors to establish sustained attacking periods.
Baleba’s physical qualities could help address some of these weaknesses when he is available and fully fit. His ability to cover ground, challenge for possession and carry the ball through congested areas gives United an option that can improve their defensive transitions.
However, midfield improvement requires collective responsibility.
The players must maintain appropriate distances between one another, track opposing runners and communicate effectively when possession changes hands.
If those responsibilities are not carried out consistently, even a strong defensive midfielder can become isolated.
Carrick must therefore find a midfield combination that balances ball recovery, passing quality and attacking support.
Baleba’s development at United will depend partly on how effectively the coaching staff integrate him into that system.
Baleba Faces Pressure to Deliver
Joining Manchester United brings enormous expectations, especially when a player arrives for a substantial transfer fee.
Supporters naturally expect expensive signings to make an immediate impact, but adapting to a new club can take time.
Baleba is still only 22 and has considerable room for development. His performances at Brighton demonstrated his potential, although his form also experienced a dip before the transfer.
United will need to give him time to settle, improve his understanding with his teammates and become comfortable with the demands of playing at Old Trafford.
At the same time, Baleba must continue working to improve his passing decisions, positional awareness and ability to influence matches consistently.
The defeat to Como highlighted problems that extend beyond one midfielder. Blaming Baleba alone for the team’s struggles would ignore the collective nature of the performance.
Instead, United must determine how to use his strengths more effectively while ensuring that the other midfielders contribute defensively and in possession.
If the team begins to perform more consistently, Baleba will have a better opportunity to establish himself as an important part of the rebuild.
Michael Carrick Under Increasing Pressure
The latest defeat has placed Carrick under greater scrutiny as supporters demand an improvement in results and performances.
United have struggled to maintain defensive discipline, and their opponents have repeatedly found ways to exploit spaces in the team’s structure.
The manager must now identify the reasons behind those recurring problems and make the necessary adjustments.
That could involve changes to the starting lineup, improved defensive organisation or a different approach to controlling possession.
Carrick will also need to manage the expectations surrounding new arrivals such as Baleba, ensuring that the midfielder receives clear instructions and does not carry the burden of solving the club’s problems alone.
The upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth offers United an opportunity to respond, although the team will need a substantial improvement in performance.
A positive result could help restore some confidence, but supporters will want to see evidence that the underlying problems are being addressed.
What Baleba Could Bring to United’s Recovery
Despite the disappointing results, Baleba remains a potentially important figure in United’s long-term plans.
His energy and ability to recover possession could help the team become more competitive in midfield. He can also carry the ball forward after winning it, allowing United to turn defensive actions into attacking opportunities.
Those qualities could be particularly valuable against opponents who press high and leave space behind their midfield.
Baleba’s partnership with players such as Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos could also become important as Carrick searches for the right combination.
Each midfielder offers different strengths, and the challenge will be creating a balanced unit capable of protecting the defence while supporting the attack.
United must avoid relying too heavily on individual performances. The objective should be to develop a midfield that functions collectively and consistently.
If that happens, Baleba could become an important part of the team’s recovery.
Conclusion
Carlos Baleba’s arrival at Manchester United was intended to strengthen the midfield and help the club compete more effectively against top opposition.
However, the recent 4-1 defeat to Como has highlighted the scale of the problems facing Carrick’s side.
United’s defensive organisation, midfield discipline and consistency must improve if the team is to meet its ambitions this season.
Although reports of Baleba being unhappy with the club’s form should be treated cautiously because no direct public statement confirming his dissatisfaction has been verified, the midfielder has joined a club facing considerable pressure to deliver better results.
The immediate challenge is for United to respond positively, improve their performances and give their new signings the right environment to succeed.
Baleba has the physical qualities and potential to make a meaningful contribution, but United’s revival will require commitment and improvement from the entire squad.
For Carrick, the next matches could be important in demonstrating that the club can learn from its recent setbacks and begin moving in the right direction.
