Transfer Window Nears End with United Still Seeking Left-Back

£155 million has been committed to Manchester United’s midfield this transfer window — a sum covering the acquisitions of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba, alongside the free signing of goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Michael Carrick’s planned overhaul of the midfield is now complete with Baleba’s arrival. Yet the head coach still lacks defensive reinforcements, particularly at left-back — a position urgently requiring cover amid Luke Shaw’s injury-prone history.

Shaw is not expected to play every match across the full season without a recognised backup. That need is amplified by reports indicating Harry Amass is close to departing the club.

According to both The Daily Mail and talkSPORT, Baleba may be United’s final signing of the window.

Left-back targets under scrutiny

United are prioritising a new left-back, with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and 19-year-old Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander identified as active interests.

However, insiders remain uncertain whether any further signings will materialise beyond the £155 million midfield trio and Darlow, per The Daily Mail.

Balde’s transfer appears unlikely due to Barcelona’s high valuation. Lewis Hall remains United’s preferred long-term option, though a move is considered more probable next summer.

INEOS under pressure to deliver

talkSPORT’s Alex Crook stated that INEOS would have let Carrick down if no defensive reinforcement arrives before deadline day.

“There’s no guarantee they’ll bring in a left-back, or even anybody else, after Baleba in the final week of the window. And I think if that is the case, then it hasn’t been a very good transfer window,” Crook said.

That assessment gains weight given Shaw’s inconsistent availability over recent seasons.

A backup striker is also required should Joshua Zirkzee depart. In that scenario, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha would likely be asked to operate as wingers, while relying solely on Benjamin Sesko for goalscoring output would be unwise.

With the transfer window nearing its conclusion, United supporters face an anxious final stretch — hoping INEOS delivers unexpected additions before the deadline.