Fulham forward Josh King has named Carlos Baleba as the toughest opponent he has faced in the Premier League, a striking endorsement given the Manchester United midfielder is yet to kick a ball for the club this season.
King’s assessment, reported by The Peoples Person, comes despite Baleba not having featured for United in the league at all this term. It underlines just how highly regarded the 22-year-old already is among Premier League opponents, even before Michael Carrick has been able to call on him.
Why Baleba is still waiting
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United paid £70 million for Baleba after Brighton knocked back earlier advances, finally landing their man this summer. An ankle ligament injury picked up during Brighton’s pre-season has kept him out of action ever since, and his continued absence from matchday squads has been a running theme of United’s opening weeks.
Five Premier League games had already been played by the time King’s comments emerged, and Baleba had not featured in any of them. He was named in the matchday squad for the trip to Craven Cottage against Fulham but remained an unused substitute, meaning his first United appearance is still to come. The three-week international break now offers a window for him to reach peak fitness before the league resumes.
What his arrival could mean
Baleba’s physical profile is exactly what has been missing from United’s midfield in recent weeks. He is known for breaking up play, closing down quickly the moment possession is lost, and driving the ball forward through central areas with real power.
Fans have grown frustrated with a side accused of lacking fight, pressing and running, and Baleba’s introduction is being framed as a direct answer to that criticism. Recovery timelines for United’s walking wounded have been a recurring talking point this season, and Baleba’s return would represent one of the more significant boosts among them.
If he settles quickly once fit, opposing midfielders may soon share King’s view of him – only now they will be facing him in red rather than against it.
| Fee | Injury | League Games Missed | Status |
| ÂŁ70m | Ankle ligament | 5 | Yet to debut, in squad vs Fulham |