Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick faces a pivotal month as the team looks to improve its form following a slow start to the Premier League season.

Manchester United enters a demanding October schedule with head coach Michael Carrick under pressure following a start that yielded five points from five matches. The team faces a home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, followed by a series of away fixtures. Carrick is looking to revitalize his squad as several players return to fitness, including summer signing Carlos Baleba.

Squad fitness and tactical changes

Carrick faces uncertainty regarding player availability for the upcoming match against Tottenham. Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu returned from international duty with injuries, while Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, and Benjamin Sesko remain concerns after withdrawing from their respective national teams. Matthijs de Ligt is nearing full fitness, and Amad Diallo has returned to the squad. These returns provide Carrick with more tactical flexibility. Amad’s fitness allows Bryan Mbeumo to shift to a central role, while Matheus Cunha, who did not join Brazil for the international break, may compete for a position on the left wing.

The arrival of Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba, a £65m summer signing, is now fit after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during pre-season with Brighton. Having spent the international break training at Carrington, he is considered ready to feature for United. Baleba is expected to provide physical presence and midfield stability, potentially addressing defensive gaps and offering ball-carrying qualities that the team has lacked since the departure of Casemiro.