Manchester United's search for a new left-back has suffered another setback, with Alejandro Balde the latest player to turn down a move to Old Trafford. According to multiple sources in Spain, the 22-year-old Barcelona defender is now minded to stay and fight for his place at the Camp Nou.
Michael Carrick's defensive issues were laid bare last weekend when his side slumped to a 2-0 opening weekend defeat against newly-promoted Hull City. With Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt not yet available for selection, United went into the new season with Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven as their central defensive pairing. Once that pair recovers, United should have enough in that department, especially with Leny Yoro also in reserve, but it is at full-back where they look particularly short.
United's left-back options limited
Luke Shaw featured in all 38 Premier League games last season but doubts remain over his durability, particularly given the Red Devils will have, unlike last term, European commitments to contend with. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall had represented United's top left-back target all summer, but the England international looks almost certain to remain at St James' Park. Indeed, new Magpies manager Matthias Jaissle issued a stern hands-off warning following Sunday's game against Liverpool when it was put to him by Peter Schmeichel, working as a pundit on TV, that Hall was of interest to United.
Frustrated in their efforts to sign the former Chelsea defender, United have been casting their net far and wide in order to find a solution for one of their problem positions, which had led them to Balde. Signing the 22-year-old, either permanently or on loan, had initially seemed like a realistic prospect and one which gained momentum after he didn't make the squad for Sunday's 5-0 win against Elche.
Balde rewarded with squad place
Balde has immediately been rewarded by Hansi Flick, who has included him in his squad ahead of Monday's game against Rayo Vallecano. 'Alejandro Balde is part of the squad for tomorrow,' said Flick on Wednesday. 'I've spoken with him, and the important thing is that he's fully committed to us. He's 22 years old and very young; he has potential.'
The decision represents a significant blow for United, who have been actively seeking reinforcements at left-back throughout the transfer window. With Hall seemingly staying at Newcastle and now Balde opting to remain in Spain, Carrick may need to explore alternative options before the transfer deadline.
United's search for a left-back has been a recurring theme in recent transfer windows, and this latest rejection adds to the growing list of players who have chosen not to make the move to Old Trafford. The club's recruitment team will now have to reassess their targets as they look to address what has become a critical weakness in the squad.
