Manchester United's £70 Million New Signing Makes Awkward Debut While Recovering From Injury

According to a deep report from English media, Baleba spent most of his first week at the Carrington training ground in the rehabilitation room, focusing on recovering from injury. However, insiders revealed that the 22-year-old Cameroon midfielder is the team's "joyful character," always cheerful and able to lift the atmosphere wherever he goes. Although he is a hard-running defensive midfielder on the pitch, he is known off the field for being playful and humorous, creating a strong contrast.

Fans may still remember Baleba's cheerful side. When Manchester United visited Brighton previously, Baleba was singing and dancing in the players' tunnel, having a great time, while Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes was standing beside him. Their interaction was particularly amusing, and the video spread widely online.

Baleba's love for dancing is said to have existed since childhood. When he was younger, he was a passionate fan of Pogba, and the Frenchman's style on and off the pitch gave him plenty of inspiration. Interestingly, the two not only share similar playing styles but also a love for dancing. Therefore, when Baleba finally fulfilled his dream of joining Manchester United and walked into Old Trafford, it became an interesting story of continuity.

However, Baleba should not be viewed as merely someone who likes to have fun. People close to him emphasized that he understands this transfer represents a new starting point in his career and that he must remain grounded. He has also experienced hardship, starting as a winger in a local amateur team before entering a football academy at the age of 13. His father happened to be the academy coach and demanded more from him than from other children. Having gone through this from a young age, he understands hard work better than most.

As for when he can return to action, the earliest possibility currently appears to be the match against Fulham on September 20. If his recovery goes smoothly, he may make that round, but his playing time would certainly be strictly limited because he has been away from competitive matches for so long and would likely only come on as a substitute to regain match experience. A more cautious estimate is that he may have to wait until the Tottenham match after the October 10 international break to make his debut.

Baleba's performances at Brighton last season were not particularly impressive and could even be described as poor. Manchester United's willingness to spend £70 million on him is based on the hope that he can rediscover his previous form. This approach is similar to their move for goalkeeper Senne Lammens—both involved players who experienced difficult periods and are expected to bounce back.

Lammens' story is even more interesting. In last season's World Cup quarter-final, the Belgian goalkeeper came on as a substitute but spilled the ball in the 88th minute and conceded a penalty, directly contributing to his team's elimination. That mistake left a deep impression. However, after returning to Manchester United, he managed to adjust himself, and now hardly anyone mentions that World Cup error anymore.

Lammens has become Manchester United's stabilizing force. After a surprising 0-2 defeat to a weaker opponent in the opening round, many criticized the team, but a closer look showed that without his excellent saves, the score could have been worse. In the second round against Ipswich Town, he delivered another outstanding performance, saving a one-on-one effort from Enciso and denying Davies' powerful shot. Without him, United could have been 0-3 down by halftime.

The statistics are even more striking: Lammens has made 35 appearances for Manchester United, winning 19 and losing only 6. Since his debut last October, he has started every match and has never been substituted. His £18 million transfer fee now looks like a bargain, which explains why he has received such high praise throughout the club.

Carrick has clearly seen the value of this example. He believes Baleba can also prove himself after returning, just like Lammens, and secure a regular starting role. Manchester United's midfield currently needs a player of Baleba's profile, especially against strong opponents where his physical presence could be irreplaceable.

From a dressing room perspective, Baleba has adapted quickly. He has two familiar faces at the club—Leny Yoro and Bryan Mbeumo, both former Brighton teammates. Having old friends around has greatly reduced the feeling of being in an unfamiliar environment. It is also said that his relationship with Rashford is strong, with the two becoming close friends.

Speaking of Rashford, his recent activities have attracted considerable attention. The 28-year-old Red Devils star has taken the number 9 shirt and even had the new number tattooed. Interestingly, above his original number 19 he added the number 14 he previously wore at Barcelona, and next to 39 he added 9, creating three sets of numbers with stories behind them.

Below Rashford's tattoo is the phrase: "What you see is not always the truth; do not judge by appearance." A new phrase on his neck, "love and tolerance," is also meaningful. When posting photos, he wrote "new number, same mission," showing that he is serious about this transformation. As an influential player within the squad, Rashford's return sends a signal that there are still people here who want to win and prove something.

With Baleba's arrival and Rashford regaining form, Manchester United's dressing room atmosphere appears positive. Although the new signing cannot play yet, an optimistic, well-liked young midfielder with solid fundamentals can often become an X-factor at crucial moments. For now, the only option is to wait patiently, allow his ankle to heal and his form to return, then watch him prove himself on the Old Trafford pitch. After all, football is ultimately decided by goals and victories.