Man Utd fans give instant Carlos Baleba verdict after first start in Atletico Madrid loss
Manchester United fans have already made up their mind about Carlos Baleba after his first appearance for the club against Atletico Madrid.
On Tuesday night, Manchester United continued their return to the Champions League as they travelled to face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Things didn't exactly go to plan for Michael Carrick's side as they suffered a 2-0 loss to the Spanish side despite United fans heaping praise on new summer signing Baleba.
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Carlos Baleba impresses despite Man United losing in Champions League
Within just seconds of kick off, Manchester United found themselves behind thanks to a clever goal from Pablo Barrios in the first minute.
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United continued to threaten to find an equaliser but ultimately failed to do so, with former Everton and Fulham midfielder Ademola Lookman finding Atletico Madrid's second goal not long after United defender Leny Yoro was shown a red card in the final 15 minutes.
But it wasn't all bad news for United, as fans have taken to social media to praise Baleba for his performance in the match.
Posting on X, one fan wrote: "Baleba is the only player showing the right energy and intensity on the pitch. Enjoy it while it lasts before the laziness virus from the others spreads to him too."
Another claimed: "Nah this Baleba profile is actually ridiculous. Kante's engine with Pogba's ball carrying wtf."
With one writing: "Carlos Baleba is a one man team out there, ridiculous footballer."
And one went so far as to say that Carrick's decision to take Baleba off could be the final nail in the coffin for the United manager, adding: "Baleba our only ball winner subbed out get this guy gone man."
Baleba joined United in August from fellow Premier League side Brighton for an initial fee of £65million, plus a potential £5m in add-ons.
Given the expectations following the 22-year-old, as demonstrated by Brigthon negotiating a sell-on clause in his sale, United fans were eager to see him start for his new club for the first time.
Baleba made his United debut as a substitute in last weekend’s Premier League draw with Spurs, coming on in the 59th minute.
Michael Carrick facing major pressure after Atletico Madrid loss
There can be no doubt that the loss in Madrid is nothing short of a disaster for Carrick, who will now be facing pressure over his role as manager following their start to the season.
United are now winless in their last five matches, with their most recent victory being the 4-0 win over Azerbaijan side Sabah in their Champions League opener on September 10.
Since then United have lost to local rivals Manchester City, been knocked out of the EFL Cup in the third round for the second consecutive year after losing to Brighton, drawn with both Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur and now lost to Atletico Madrid.
In their next outing, United face Leeds United it what could be a must-win for Carrick if he hopes to keep his job.
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Topics: Man Utd, Football, Champions League, Football News, Premier League
Ben McCrum