{
  "id": 6902204,
  "title": "key Man United star set to miss the next three games through injury",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/key-man-united-star-set-to-miss-the-next-three-games-through-injury",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-12T09:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/key-man-united-star-set-093500692.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will be without star midfielder Carlos Baleba for the next three games due to an injury sustained earlier in the summer. Baleba, who joined the club as part of their final senior summer signing, has been unable to make his full debut due to the setback. The club's other recent summer signings, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, have already made their debuts, but Baleba's presence has been delayed. Despite initial doubts about his chances of joining Man Utd following his injury, the club invested £70 million in the Cameroonian midfielder. Currently, Carrick is relying on Tielemans and Mainoo as his midfield tandem, with Santos as a bench presence. Reports suggest Baleba may not return in time for the Manchester Derby against Manchester City, Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, or the Premier League match against Fulham. The midfielder is expected to return in October, aiming to be ready for the crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham on October 10 at Old Trafford.",
  "summary": "Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick will have to do without Carlos Baleba until the international break.The 22-year-old became the club’s third midfield addition last month, and the club’...",
  "key_points": [
    "Carlos Baleba injured, set to miss next three games",
    "Manchester United relies on Tielemans, Mainoo in midfield",
    "Baleba expected back in October for October 10 match"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Juan Mata: Former Man United star makes huge decision on his playing career",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/juan-mata-former-man-united-star-makes-huge-decision-on-his-playing",
        "published": "2026-09-12T07:05:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}