Carlos Baleba was named in a Manchester United matchday squad for the first time but remained an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The midfielder was included among Michael Carrick’s substitutes after travelling with the squad to London following his recovery from an ankle injury.
Baleba did not make his debut as United chased the game after falling behind in the second half.
Carrick instead used Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu from the bench. Mount replaced Kobbie Mainoo in the 80th minute, Zirkzee came on for Marcus Rashford in the 77th minute and Dorgu replaced Luke Shaw in the 84th minute.
Baleba joined United from Brighton in August in a deal worth up to £70 million, comprising £65 million guaranteed and a further £5 million in potential add-ons. He arrived at Old Trafford carrying the ankle injury suffered during pre-season.
His inclusion at Craven Cottage marked his first appearance on a United Premier League teamsheet since completing the move.
Matheus Cunha eventually scored United’s equaliser in the 89th minute to secure a point after Lisandro Martínez’s own goal had given Fulham the lead.
Baleba’s first Manchester United appearance therefore remains to come despite his return to the matchday squad.
