Manchester United Fans Take One Positive From Atletico Loss: “Really Good”

For the last few weeks, there has been no hiding place for anyone with a Manchester United affiliation, but the fans have found a silver lining.

Despite their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, the performance of midfielder Carlos Baleba at the Metropolitano provided the fans with a measure of solace.

For the second game running, the Cameroon international was the bright light for the side as they succumbed to a defeat in Madrid.

Missing several key players and keen to arrest his side's slump, Michael Carrick rotated his squad for the game against the Spanish outfit.

The game had barely kicked off when Pablo Barrios found the back of the net inside a minute with a deflected strike.

Both sides struck the woodwork and tested the opposite goalkeeper, before Leny Yoro was sent off for a professional foul in the 74th minute.

The home side sealed the win just five minutes later, with Ademola Lookman slotting home on the rebound after Senne Lammens saved Jonathan David's initial shot.

The Red Devils are winless in five, but Baleba's impactful start to life at Old Trafford leaves the fans with a bit of hope and positivity.

Baleba Impresses on First Start for Manchester United

With Kobbie Mainoo missing out through injury, Carrick handed Baleba his full debut for the Red Devils, following his 31-minute cameo last weekend.

The 22-year-old was deployed alongside Andrey Santos in the midfield configuration, with Youri Tielemans playing slightly further forward and Bruno Fernandes shifted out wide.

He was on the pitch for 66 minutes and completed 89% of his passes, while touching the ball 37 times.

He completed both of his dribbles, and made two line-breaking passes and two passes into the final third.

Baleba also won 71% of his ground duels and his only aerial duel in the game, while making two tackles and an interception, and registering three ball recoveries.

Carlos Baleba was replaced by Mason Mount in the 66th minute, as Carrick looks to continue to manage his minutes as he returns to full fitness.

'One of the Very Best': Manchester United Fans Hail 'Ridiculous' Baleba

Manchester United's fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the game against Los Colchoneros , and there seemed to be a unanimous agreement about how Baleba fared.

One fan pointed out that he looked good but ended their post on a skeptical note about his future. "Baleba has looked good. But the question I'm asking myself is how long before United make him look average."

Another fan was pleased with his showing, and they hailed him for his quality showings. "Baleba can hold his head high, really good couple shifts from him."

A fan said that he combined the best abilities from N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, praising him. "Nah this Baleba profile is actually ridiculous. Kante's engine with Pogba's ball carrying wtf."

Another named him as being one of the best midfielders in the world and wished the club had signed him earlier. "Baleba is one of the very best midfielders on the planet, and this would've been common knowledge if we'd signed him two seasons ago."

Baleba has the fans on his side after two appearances for the Red Devils, having made them wait to see him in action for the first time.

They will hope to see his influence on the team grow as the season progresses, and will hope for quality showings from the whole team, going forward.