Following a dismal opening defeat fueled by midfield fragility, Michael Carrick addresses the urgent arrival of Carlos Baleba to restore defensive steel to a struggling squad.
Manchester United's Premier League season began with a shocking loss to newly promoted Hull City in a poor 2-0 defeat.
An early goal from Nigerian centre back Semi Ajayi handed Hull the advantage 17 minutes in after he pounced onto a rebound from Oli McBurnie, initially forcing a great save from Senne Lammens, but the Belgian was helpless on the second effort.
Hull doubled their lead in the first half, this time through fellow centre back Nobel Mendy on his Premier League debut. Another set piece where United left the back post empty. Regan Slater's effort whipped in to the glancing header of Mendy.
United's midfield simply overran throughout the game, failing to control it as they wanted. Summer signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were simply off the mark, whilst Bruno Fernandes failed to make any clear impact on the game.
Michael Carrick resorted to Kobbie Mainoo off the bench to re-energise the midfield with 67 minutes played, but it was too little too late.
With the recent news of Carlos Baleba being set to sign for Man United, having reportedly now completed his medical at the club as the third midfield recruit, Michael Carrick responded to the midfielder's transfer following the loss.
Carrick Issues Clear Response To Baleba Signing
Following the game, Carrick responded to the news around Carlos Baleba's move, with the need for athleticism in United's squad imperative heading into the coming games.
He stated: "Baleba? I was focused on today's match. I have nothing to say."
A short reply, but today proves how vital a profile such as Baleba would be in games of such intensity. The introduction of the Cameroonian should provide the break-up of opposition attacks, as United consistently found themselves giving away petty fouls and corners rather than retaining possession and transitioning into attacks.
The defensive cover of Casemiro bailed United out of these scenarios countless times last season, but with the Brazilian veteran departing at the end of last season to make the move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, Baleba's arrival is absolutely crucial.
With Champions League football also in the balance this season, rotating in the midfield will be a necessity if Carrick aims to push for silverware across all four competitions.
What Is Man Utd's Best Midfield Three?
The question of who the starting trio in the midfield will be moving forward has grown with the summer arrivals. Pre-season saw Santos as the deepest midfielder and delivering a high standard against tough opponents like Atletico Madrid and Leeds United.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo is an outstanding talent fresh from signing a new deal after Carrick got the young Stockportian back in the starting eleven last season. However, his athleticism is a downside to his game, as he is often overrun in defensive cover.
Youri Tielemans is an undeniable player of quality who, similar to Mainoo, shines on the ball rather than off the ball. Balancing minutes across the midfield will be a challenge for Carrick, but it needs to be established quickly.
United's next game comes against Ipswich, returning to the Premier League again in a game which will similarly display a compact defence hoping to hurt United on the break and with set pieces.
