Baleba’s first United start is the key call before Atlético trip

Carlos Baleba could go straight into Manchester United’s starting midfield for the Champions League trip to Atlético Madrid, according to The Peoples Person’s predicted XI. The report tips him to replace Youri Tielemans after making a strong impression off the bench on his United debut.

The selection would put Baleba into a demanding European away fixture alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes ahead of them. The Peoples Person also predicts Marcus Rashford could return on the left if fit enough to start. Amad is tipped for the right, while Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the attack after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.

That forecast leaves Matheus Cunha out of the starting side and Joshua Zirkzee among the substitutes. Zirkzee was lively after coming on against Spurs, according to the report, and remains another centre-forward option. Rashford’s readiness is therefore one of the main decisions facing manager Michael Carrick, alongside whether Baleba is ready for his first start.

Luke Shaw is expected to miss out after limping off against Tottenham. The Peoples Person predicts Diogo Dalot at left-back, with Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez completing the back four in front of Senne Lammens. Matthijs de Ligt has returned to training, but the report does not expect him to start; United’s verified availability records list him as doubtful with a back injury.

Carrick’s choices are further limited by Patrick Dorgu’s hamstring injury and Noussair Mazraoui’s doubtful status. Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton are also listed as out. Ugarte is recovering from a cruciate ligament tear, leaving fewer options in midfield as well as at the back.

United arrive at the Atlético fixture 13th in the Premier League after six matches, with one win, three draws and two defeats. Their next league game is away to Leeds United on Sunday, 18 October. Before then, the immediate test for Carrick is whether Baleba and Rashford can turn their pushes for places into starting roles in Madrid.