Manchester United squad update: Baleba nears return

Baleba’s return could change the midfield picture

Baleba’s comeback matters because United have looked short of physicality and ball-carrying power at times.

• The report says he spent the first week at Carrington on recovery work.
• A post-break return would give United another option for the run into autumn.
• Even a short cameo before Tottenham would help build rhythm.

The detail that he began as a winger before moving into midfield hints at why the club appears so keen to accelerate his integration: he is reportedly seen as a player who can cover ground, carry possession and add range to the middle of the pitch.

Martinez and Amass point to wider squad planning

Away from the immediate fitness picture, Lisandro Martinez is reportedly nearing an important contract decision. The update says United are expected to trigger a one-year extension clause within the next four months, taking his deal through to 2028. That would buy the club time before deciding whether to keep or cash in next summer.

At academy level, the rejection of Burnley’s reported £3.5 million bid for Harry Amass is another signal.

• United are said to value the left-back at £6 million.
• Despite interest elsewhere, the club reportedly want to keep him.
• His return to first-team training strengthens that stance.

Lammens still has backing

There also appears to be no panic over Senne Lammens after his error for Belgium. The report says he has received strong internal backing since returning, with one club source reportedly describing him as “excellent.” Given he has been trusted as United’s No. 1 and has already put together a substantial run of games, that support is significant.

The next checkpoint is obvious: team news before Fulham, then whether Baleba is ready to feature against Tottenham on 10 October. That selection call may say plenty about where United believe this squad is heading.