Manchester United Finalises Midfield Overhaul, Focus Shifts to Left-Back Reinforcements
Manchester United has finalised a significant overhaul of its midfield with the acquisition of Carlos Baleba. This move concludes a summer period focused on strengthening the central areas of the squad, following the team’s qualification for the Champions League after a two-year absence.
Baleba joins Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as new midfield additions. The club’s financial accounts to 31 March confirmed outstanding transfer fees, with a portion due after more than one year. The use of additional funds borrowed in June for refinancing has not yet been detailed.
Midfield Reinforcement and Future Plans
The arrival of Baleba, Santos, and Tielemans means United now has a diverse range of attributes across its four-man midfield. Three of these players are 22 years old or younger. Baleba expressed his enthusiasm for joining the club, stating it is an honour to play at Old Trafford and that he looks forward to working with Michael Carrick.
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, described Baleba as an elite midfielder with significant potential, whose qualities will complement the squad. Baleba signed a five-year contract with an option to extend for 12 months.
Despite the midfield strengthening, attention has now shifted to other areas of Carrick’s squad that could benefit from reinforcements, particularly the left-back position. This comes after a defeat at Hull, where Carrick addressed suggestions of a lack of passion within the team.
Left-Back Situation Under Scrutiny
The need for an additional left-back has been a recurring discussion. Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season and also played in the recent match against Hull. Over United’s past 44 league games, the 31-year-old England international missed only one start, which occurred four days after the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham in the 2024-25 campaign.
However, Shaw’s injury history before that period has raised concerns. Between February 2024 and April 2025, he played as many games for England as he did for his club, missing three months at the start of the 2023-24 campaign due to calf and hamstring issues. The upcoming season’s schedule is expected to be demanding, with few full midweeks without games until the one including Christmas Day, apart from international breaks.
This combination of Shaw’s injury record and the packed fixture list suggests that another left-back could be brought in. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has been identified as a potential target, being 21 years old and considered suitable to challenge Shaw. However, Newcastle is reportedly reluctant to sell, and United’s leadership has shown an unwillingness to overpay for players.
Several alternative left-back options have been mentioned. Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas, 19, has a release clause and is also reportedly sought by Atletico Madrid. Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, 22, was not included in a recent La Liga victory amid transfer speculation, with United among the clubs linked to the Spain international. Barcelona is said to value him between two figures.
With a week remaining before the transfer window closes on 1 September, the situation is considered fluid. There is caution within United regarding expectations for a new left-back signing. A significant player sale could alter this dynamic, but the departure of Marcus Rashford has been largely dismissed following confirmation he will wear the number nine shirt. Casemiro left and Manuel Ugarte sustained a serious knee injury.
Carrick does have existing options for the left-back position. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have previously played on the left flank. Baleba, a left-footed player, has also played at full-back for Brighton. Additionally, Harry Amass, 19, served as Shaw’s back-up during pre-season and remains at United, although he was not part of the squad for the Hull trip, and a loan or permanent move has been anticipated for him.
Most observers still believe a new left-back will be part of Carrick’s squad by the time the transfer window closes.
Source: bbc.com
