Man Utd set to launch left-back move after Hull City defeat

Manchester United‘s Premier League campaign started with a whimper rather than a bang.

Michael Carrick’s side headed to the MKM Stadium to face newly-promoted Hull City and were stunned 2-0, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring from set-pieces to hand United a chastening opening-day defeat against a side many had tipped for an immediate relegation battle.

Speaking after the game, Carrick admitted his side had work to do: “We have a bit to improve on, it was never going to be perfect, going behind makes it more difficult against a promoted team, we’re disappointed but it won’t knock us.”

It’s an uncomfortable start for a club that spent big over the summer rebuilding the midfield, and questions will inevitably be asked about defensive frailties that were exposed inside the opening 45 minutes.

There was better news away from the pitch, though. According to Fabrizio Romano, United’s move for Carlos Baleba is now done, with the Brighton midfielder set to complete a £70 million move (£65 million plus £5 million in add-ons) to Old Trafford in the coming days, joining Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos as United’s major midfield additions this summer.

But Romano was clear that Carrick’s side have no intention of stopping there. “Baleba is done, but Manchester United are not done, Manchester United are looking for a left back,” he said in his latest Youtube video.

It’s an area of genuine need for United. Patrick Dorgu has mostly been deployed as a left-winger under Carrick rather than at full-back, leaving Luke Shaw without reliable competition or cover heading into a season that will see United return to Champions League football and face a significantly busier fixture schedule.

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall had been the long-standing preferred option, but the Magpies are said to be refusing to sell, having already lost Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, with the club now in talks over a new contract and a leadership role for Hall rather than an exit.

As a result, United have been forced to explore alternatives, and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas has emerged as one option. The 19-year-old was a key figure in Santander’s promotion to La Liga last season, chipping in seven assists from full-back while also averaging more tackles per 90 than anyone else in the squad.

Crucially, he carries a release clause of just £14 million, making him a significantly cheaper route into the squad than a move for Hall, though Atlético Madrid are reportedly also pushing hard to sign him.

The other name on United’s radar is more eye-catching. Romano has also revealed a call took place this week between super-agent Jorge Mendes and United over Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde, with the Red Devils asking about the conditions of a potential deal.

“For Balde it’s a 50/50 situation,” Romano explained. “Because in case of a good proposal, Balde could still leave Barcelona. But what I can tell you is the player is not pushing to go.

“Man Utd are looking for a left-back and they were asking for the conditions of the deal. Mendes was considering this possibility, but the player is not pushing to go, and it’s not about rejecting Man Utd. The player is very happy in Barcelona and would love to compete for his spot.

“So the only way to see Balde leaving Barcelona between now and the end of the season is if it’s Barca telling Balde, ‘okay, we need to sell you, we want to sell you.’ That’s the only way. Man Utd are informed on the conditions and, as of today, they’ve not returned with any official bid.”

With Baleba’s arrival all but confirmed and both Salinas and Balde being explored as left-back solutions, it’s clear United’s business this summer is far from finished, despite the damaging start to the season on the pitch at Hull.