Roundtable understands that Manchester United won 2-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport on Friday. 

Carlos Baleba made his first appearance for his new side, having been an unused substitute against Fulham in the final game before the break.

Matthijs de Ligt also made his long-awaited return from the start. His last appearance for United came under Rúben Amorim in November 2025 against Crystal Palace. 

INEOS-owned Lausanne-Sport are bottom of the Swiss Super League, with six points from nine games. Sékou Koné, on loan from Old Trafford, has been a regular, while Tyler Fredricson is currently out injured, having been sold by United to Lausanne this summer. 

Manchester United return to competitive action next week, when Michael Carrick's side host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Spurs currently sit bottom of the league, with just two points from the first five matches. 

Manchester United have been intelligent by playing their sister club over the international period, and it is a good step in the right direction. 

Chelsea and Manchester City, though the latter don't seem to have set the best example, have used multi-club models to their advantage in the past, and for better or for worse, they are a part of football now. 

If United don't want to fall behind, they will also have to use a multi-club model, but due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's previous exploits, United have Lausanne-Sport and OGC Nice to lean on. 

A friendly against Lausanne in an international break may not seem like a big deal, but it is a good sign that United are willing to use their sister sides. 

Transfers have been done in the past, but playing Lausanne has allowed Matthjis de Ligt to return to action away from the spotlight, and get valuable minutes in the tank.

Baleba is another who has benefited. When he makes his first appearance, he will at least have some understanding with his teammates. 

Despite a poor start to the season, almost all of Manchester United's midfielders were called up for international duty. Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount have stayed at Carrington, but the former withdrew from the initial England squad due to injury. 

Having Baleba raring to go with minutes under his belt is a big boost for Michael Carrick, but it could still be seen as a risk to start him against Tottenham Hotspur. 

However, United have looked leggy in midfield this term, slow to second balls and not quick enough when they are in possession – that's Carlos Baleba all over. 

And if Baleba doesn't start this game, there is no easy match to throw him into. In October, United face Spurs, Atletico Madrid (UCL), Leeds United, Como (UCL), Bournemouth, and Chelsea. 

Perhaps this is the best game to throw him in.