Manchester United could soon have two important reinforcements back in the squad, with Amad Diallo and Carlos Baleba pushing towards full involvement. Baleba has already returned to grass work at Carrington after his ankle issue, while Amad has also been working his way back from injury. (Manchester United)
With United’s next Premier League match against Tottenham coming up on October 10, the return of these players gives Michael Carrick more options to change the balance of his team. (Premier League)
BALeba IN, TIELEMANS OUT?
One major change could be Carlos Baleba coming into midfield.
Youri Tielemans has started alongside Kobbie Mainoo in United’s recent 4-2-3-1, but Baleba offers a different profile. His physical presence, energy, ball-winning ability and ability to cover ground could give United more intensity in the middle of the pitch. (Premier League)
The idea would be simple: give Mainoo more freedom to progress the ball while Baleba provides the strength and defensive protection behind him.
AMAD BACK ON THE RIGHT?
Amad Diallo could also completely change the dynamic on the right wing.
Instead of relying on a more conventional attacking setup, Amad would bring direct running, creativity, quick combinations and the ability to attack defenders one-on-one.
That could create another dangerous outlet for United and give the opposition a completely different problem to solve.
MBEUMO AS THE FALSE 9?
Then comes the most interesting idea.
Bryan Mbeumo could be moved into a false-nine role, allowing his movement and link-up play to become even more influential centrally. Rather than simply waiting for service, Mbeumo could drop into midfield, drag defenders out of position and create space for Amad and Matheus Cunha to attack.
United already have plenty of attacking options in the squad, including Mbeumo, Cunha, Amad and Benjamin Šeško. (Premier League)
THE PROPOSED UNITED ATTACK
Amad
Mbeumo
Cunha
Bruno Fernandes
Baleba
Mainoo
That setup would give United a combination of pace, movement, creativity, physicality and energy.
The big question is whether Carrick would be willing to move away from the midfield partnership he has relied on recently. United’s most recent league XI featured Mainoo and Tielemans together, with Bruno behind Mbeumo, Rashford and Cunha. (Premier League)
Now, with Baleba getting closer to contention and Amad pushing for his return, Carrick has more pieces available to reshape the attack and midfield.
THE PRESSURE IS ON CARRICK
United have the players. The next challenge is finding the right combination.
Baleba could add power.
Mainoo could provide control and progression.
Bruno could pull the strings.
Amad could bring unpredictability.
Mbeumo could create chaos through movement.
Cunha could attack the spaces.
On paper, it is an exciting combination.
But football is not played on paper. Carrick will have to decide how aggressively he wants to change his XI once these players are fully ready.
And if Baleba and Amad are available, United fans will certainly be watching closely to see whether Carrick makes the changes.
