INTERNATIONAL

Man Utd Eye Spurs Return as Baleba Nears Debut & Fernandes Future Rumbles On

📅 October 6, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 5

International Break: Yoro Shines for France

The extended international break has given United fans at least one major reason to smile. Defender Leny Yoro made his long-awaited senior debut for France in a 4-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Belgium on Monday night. The 20-year-old centre-back was excellent — he made the joint-most defensive contributions of any player on the pitch, won every single aerial and ground duel he contested, and finished the game with a 93% passing accuracy. For a player still fighting to cement his place in Michael Carrick's first team at Old Trafford, the performance sent a powerful message.

Injury Update: Baleba Steps Up, Ugarte Still Out

The big injury story heading into Tottenham week is Carlos Baleba. The £70 million summer signing from Brighton has been sidelined since arriving at Old Trafford due to an ankle problem he was carrying before his transfer. However, he has made significant progress during the break, featuring in a closed-door friendly against Lausanne-Sport at Carrington. He is now in contention to make his competitive United debut against Spurs on October 10, though the club have not yet confirmed his availability. Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow are also potentially available for that game, though none of their returns are guaranteed. The worst news remains with Manuel Ugarte — the Uruguayan midfielder is still sidelined with a serious knee ligament injury picked up at the World Cup, and no firm return date has been given.

Carrick Confident Despite Inconsistent Start

Despite a mixed beginning to the 2026/27 Premier League season — which includes a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City and a 1-1 draw at Fulham — manager Michael Carrick has publicly stated he is confident Manchester United "will be fine." The Red Devils are currently 13th in the table with four points from three games, and pressure is beginning to build. Reports have also surfaced suggesting INEOS has two managerial names in mind should they lose faith in Carrick, but for now the former Middlesbrough boss retains the backing of the club's hierarchy.

Zirkzee Out in the Cold

Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee has broken his silence on his difficult situation at Old Trafford, where he has struggled for regular game time under Carrick. The 25-year-old was in decent form for the Netherlands during the break, scoring as they beat Serbia 2-1, and fans are questioning why he is not being used more consistently at club level. With just one win in the league so far, United can ill afford to leave goal threats on the bench.

Transfer Talk

The biggest transfer rumour swirling around Old Trafford right now involves captain Bruno Fernandes. (RUMOUR) Multiple reports from European media suggest United have privately placed a price tag of around €50–60 million on the 32-year-old Portuguese playmaker, despite the club's official position being that he is not for sale. Juventus have reportedly looked at the figure and concluded it is beyond their reach, while Galatasaray and AC Milan are also said to be monitoring his situation. Fernandes is in the final year of his contract, though United hold an option to extend it by a further season. Crucially, sources indicate that new-contract talks between player and club are progressing and that Fernandes himself wants to stay at Old Trafford. Separately, director of football Jason Wilcox is reportedly keen to bring in a French striker to provide competition for Joshua Zirkzee, and the club are said to be planning multiple signings in the January window.

Sources

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