Wayne Rooney praised Carlos Baleba for his efforts despite Manchester United slumping to a 2-0 defeat on Tuesday night.
The midfielder made his first start for the club since signing in a £70 million switch from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.
Carlos Baleba finally getting minutes in 2026/2027
(Photo via carlos_baleba on Instagram)
An ankle ligament injury meant that Baleba’s start to the season was delayed, so his first appearance as a Red didn’t come until last weekend’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Baleba came off the bench to try and steady the ship in the middle of the park, replacing Youri Tielemans on the 60th-minute mark.
This week, however, Michael Carrick decided it was time to grant the 22-year-old his maiden appearance from the off, which also marked his Champions League debut.
He partnered fellow summer arrival Andrey Santos, with Tielemans operating in a more advanced role due to Kobbie Mainoo being injured and, therefore, ruled out.
How did Baleba fare vs Atleti?
(Photo via ManUtd)
Baleba went on to make three recoveries, two tackles and an interception, while winning five ground duels and one aerial duel.
In attack, the Cameroonian recorded two successful dribbles, two touches in the opposition’s box, two final-third passes and two line-breaking passes (as per Fotmob).
Baleba’s heatmap vs Atletico Madrid
Rooney said post-match: “I found that Baleba was excellent. He brought energy to the midfield. I thought Santos did well, too.”
Alas, it’s likely that Baleba will retain his place for Sunday’s trip to Elland Road, where the Reds will lock horns with arch-rivals Leeds United.
If Mainoo is fit enough to make the squad, Carrick has a major decision to make over who drops out to make way for the Carrington graduate.
