Manchester United fans have once again been left disappointed after a dismal 90 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur, but Carlos Baleba's debut could be one potential positive. 

Yes, I am clutching at straws here, but Baleba's performance deserves recognition, especially with how poorly United played before his introduction. 

The Cameroon international made his unofficial debut against Lausanne-Sport during the international break – Matthijs de Ligt also started – but had to wait until Saturday evening for his first showing in front of the Old Trafford crowd. 

An ankle ligament injury has kept Baleba from playing for his new side, which is seemingly desperate for him to be fully fit. 

Manchester United's midfield was completely overrun against Spurs. Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans seriously struggled to get a grasp of the game, with fans eagerly looking towards the bench at Carlos Baleba. 

He was introduced after 59 minutes and was the only United player to create a big chance across the full 90. 

But Baleba's performance should not be thought of as just one good moment; he was impressive all-round against Tottenham Hotspur. A good turn and a cool long ball to Bruno Fernandes on the left wing after just seconds on the pitch marked a good start to his Manchester United career. 

Despite being on the pitch for Spurs' late goal, Baleba won the hearts of fans and pundits alike, not to mention Michael Carrick, who labelled his performance as one of the few positives. 

"He did really well. He brought us a lot," Carrick said before being asked about the lack of intensity again. 

He said: "I don't think it was particularly that. It looks like that in the end and I understand why people say that.

"I think it can get like that quite quickly when you're not quite there and not quite at it, and credit to Tottenham."

While some fans are not best pleased with Carrick's intensity comments, it should not be an issue with Baleba in the team, given his impressive ground coverage for Brighton in years gone by. 

Given Spurs was his first competitive match all season, it would be quite the gamble to start him against Atletico Madrid. 

It is also important to recognise that Baleba is still only 22 years old, and solely relying on him would not be a sensible option for Michael Carrick. 

However, without a complete reshuffle to the pressing shape and the midfield structure, Baleba seems to be the only option to excel in Manchester United's engine room. 

Andrey Santos and Mason Mount impressed in pre-season, but it's clear United need more energy in the middle. Mainoo and Tielemans have been outrun in every game they have started together this season. 

Some have said Tielemans could impress in the Champions League, with most games likely to be played at a slower pace, but Baleba may just take his place.