Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Tottenham: Baleba Set for Debut at Old Trafford

According to a report by the Evening Standard on Friday, October 9, 2026, Manchester United could hand summer signing Carlos Baleba his debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with manager Michael Carrick facing several selection challenges ahead of their Premier League meeting at Old Trafford.

United could be without as many as nine first-team players for the 5.30pm BST encounter, despite the three-week international break providing time for injured players to recover.

Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo have completed limited training sessions, leaving their availability uncertain ahead of the fixture. Matthijs de Ligt is also approaching a possible return from a long-standing back injury, although Carrick has not confirmed whether the defender will be ready.

Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui and Benjamin Sesko are expected to miss the match because of their respective injury problems. Goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Karl Darlow are also carrying injuries.

However, Baleba is expected to start in midfield after making progress during the international break. The summer signing arrived from Brighton with an injury but has trained regularly in recent weeks, putting him in contention to make his first appearance for United.

The midfielder is predicted to partner Youri Tielemans in the base of the midfield as Carrick looks to strengthen his options against Tottenham.

United’s attacking selection could be influenced by the fitness concerns affecting several players. Rashford remains a doubt after withdrawing from England duty, but the winger could still be considered for a starting position despite not being fully fit.

Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate in his usual attacking midfield role, while Bryan Mbeumo could feature on the flank. Matheus Cunha is tipped to lead the attack in place of the injured Sesko.

In defence, Carrick is expected to retain his first-choice back four, with Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw forming the defensive line.

Senne Lammens is predicted to start in goal following his emergence as Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Manchester United predicted XI vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Baleba, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.

Rashford, Mainoo, Diallo and De Ligt remain doubts, while Dorgu, Sesko, Mazraoui, Heaton and Darlow are listed as injured.

The encounter presents United with an opportunity to improve their Premier League form, although Carrick must first determine which of his recovering players are ready to feature.

Manchester United will host Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 10, with kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm BST. The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.

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