Two dominant stars still waiting for first appearances under Carrick, they will turn United into a real force – opinion

Writer Vishal Singh argues that Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick must immediately integrate Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt to reverse the club's poor form. With United currently sitting 12th in the Premier League table ahead of key fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid, Singh contends that Carrick needs to address the squad's lack of physical intensity and defensive fragility.

Baleba, signed from Brighton for £70 million, has been recovering from an ankle ligament injury and is yet to debut for Carrick. Meanwhile, De Ligt has returned to training after being sidelined with a back issue since November, with Singh suggesting his leadership and aerial presence can stabilize United's struggling defense.