Manchester United fans got a first look at £70 million man Carlos Baleba in their Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, and they immediately shared their thoughts on the midfielder.
The Red Devils dropped points once more, failing to shake off the rust from the three-week international break and extending their winless run to four games.
The Old Trafford air in the first half was filled with boos from the home supporters, who were disappointed with how their side were playing, as they failed to create any clear openings against a Spurs side that were bottom of the standings heading into the game.
Youri Tielemans started alongside Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, but both players were cleverly shut down and prevented from progressing the ball as they would have liked.
The second half produced a great deal of drama, with the home side going ahead through Bryan Mbeumo before Tottenham were reduced to ten men after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for violent conduct.
Dominic Solanke scored a dramatic late leveller for Spurs, ensuring that they shared the spoils on their visit to Manchester.
Impressive Baleba Introduces Self to United Faithful
Carlos Baleba sustained an ankle injury in pre-season with Brighton & Hove Albion prior to signing for Manchester United, and the fans were made to wait to see him in action.
The Cameroon international played for the first time in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne Sport during the international break, and Michael Carrick deemed him ready for Premier League action.
With the game scoreless, Baleba was one of Carrick's changes in the 59th minute, replacing Tielemans in the middle of the park.
The 22-year-old touched the ball 31 times in his time on the pitch, completing 89% of his passes and creating two chances, as many as captain Bruno Fernandes managed in 90 minutes.
He completed two tackles and a clearance, and made three interceptions while also recovering the ball six times.
The midfielder won 60% of his ground duels and made seven sprints in his time on the pitch, showing off impressive intensity.
| Carlos Baleba vs Tottenham | Statistic |
| Minutes played | 31 |
| Passes (Completed) | 18 (16) |
| Chances created (Big chances created) | 2 (1) |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Ball recoveries | 6 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Ground duels (Won) | 5 (3) |
'A Breath of Fresh Air': United Fans Hail Baleba After Debut
Manchester United fans were pleased to watch Baleba against Tottenham, and many of them praised the youngster on social media after his display at Old Trafford.
One fan credited him with changing the game with an injection of pace and power in the middle of the park. “He has completely changed the dynamics of this game, Carlos Baleba. He came into the game and brought power, pace, passes, special player and Carrick will be grateful to have him.”
Another fan referred to him as the truth, also crediting him with bringing life to the team. “Baleba is the truth....... He brought life to that mid tbh.”
A fan hailed him as a beast for single-handedly changing things. "One man came in and change the whole game. Baleba you beast!”
Another referred to the Cameroonian as a breath of fresh air. “Baleba has been a breath of fresh air in this stale team with his energy and desire.”
Another fan also credited him with changing the game for the Red Devils. “Baleba has changed the game. What a surprise. Finally some fire in CM."
A fan hailed him for fixing many issues in the game, pointing out that he should be one of the first names on the team sheet going forward. “Baleba fixes so many issues. Him and Mainoo first choice now. Yoro was bright not sure why he was taken off, play him CB instead of Maguire. Mbeumo up front way more balanced.”
Baleba will have been pleased to get some much-needed minutes in his legs after being made to wait for his debut for the club. He will look forward to their next game, a trip to Atletico Madrid, and will hope to be in the starting XI for that one.
