Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has urged supporters to remain patient as summer signing Carlos Baleba edges closer to his competitive debut for the club. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.

Confirming that the Cameroon international is edging closer to full fitness, Carrick urged fans to be patient ahead of Baleba’s first game in a MUFC jersey.

He added that the jump from Brighton to a club of United’s stature is significant for any young player, let alone one who is currently playing catch-up with his teammates’ physical conditioning levels.

His words, “He’s certainly getting closer, Carlos.

It’s been great to have him out on the grass and to see him up close really.

And [he] played a little bit in a training game that we had last week, so that was good for him to get some minutes.

I think the other side of it a little bit, he has missed a lot, and he’s missed crucial time in terms of the end of pre-season.

There’s a little bit of patience there for him to get up to speed, and that’s up to us to pick that right time for him as well, but he offers us a lot.

I’ve said it before, the midfield that we’ve got, we’re really happy with, and the selections and the options that we have, and he definitely adds to that.

It’s great to have Carlos on the grass, you know?

Unfortunately, he picked up the injury in pre-season, so he’s missed a lot. It’s an important time of year, so we’ll work to get him back, it will need a bit of patience because it is important.”