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31 August 2026

Manchester United are rushing to bring in a left-back before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Luke Shaw’s difficulties against Ipswich Town underlined just how urgently the Red Devils require an alternative in that position.

The England international’s poor injury history, along with concerns over his ability to cope with several matches in a single week, means he can no longer be relied upon for that workload.

INEOS were unable to complete a deal for Lewis Hall from Newcastle, and the current plan is to make another attempt for him next summer. Until then, however, the club need to arrange cover.

The 20-time English league champions are not keen to spend heavily on a new left-back, which effectively rules out a last-minute move for RB Leipzig’s David Raum.

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde was viewed as a short-term solution, with United proposing a loan deal to the La Liga champions that included an option to buy.

Barcelona, though, are demanding a permanent transfer. As Fabrizio Romano revealed, a late meeting took place on Sunday involving United, Barcelona and Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

Romano said: “On Balde, Man Utd believe the deal is too expensive. So Man Utd also informed by Jorge Mendes over the weekend, on Sunday, about any movement around Balde.

“Jorge Mendes made sure Man Utd had all the conditions of the deal but Manchester United were only interested on loan, maybe with a buy option clause, maybe becoming an obligation under certain conditions.

“But Jorge Mendes told Man Utd, as of today, Barcelona want permanent transfer or nothing. The player also is keen on staying at Barcelona, so that’s the situation.”

AC Milan, who are also in the running for Alejandro Balde, have run into the same complications, and only a change in the terms would make a late transfer possible.

Interestingly, Romano still expects United to sign a left-back for Michael Carrick before the transfer deadline. The identity of that player, however, remains unclear.