INEOS Step up Man Utd Transfer Plans as Romano Reveals Second Move after £70M Baleba Deal

Manchester United’s transfer plans are still moving quickly despite a disappointing start to the new Premier League campaign.

Michael Carrick’s side suffered a 2-0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring from set-pieces to give United a result they will want to forget.

It was a poor opening from the Red Devils, particularly considering the amount of money spent on improving the squad during the summer.

Carrick admitted after the match that there is plenty of work still to do, but the manager will have little time to dwell on the defeat. United have important transfer business still to complete.

The club are closing in on Carlos Baleba, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Brighton midfielder is now set to join in a deal worth £70m, including £65m guaranteed and a further £5m in add-ons.

But Baleba will not be the final major addition. Romano has made it clear that Manchester United are still searching for a left-back, and there are now two particularly interesting names being considered.

Man Utd still need another left-back

The need for a new left-back is not difficult to understand.

Luke Shaw remains an important option, but his injury record means United cannot realistically go into a long and demanding season without stronger competition in that position.

Patrick Dorgu has also been used mainly as a left-winger by Carrick, rather than being relied upon as a traditional full-back. That leaves United with limited natural depth.

This becomes even more important because the club are returning to Champions League football.

The fixture list will be much heavier, with Premier League matches joined by European games and domestic cup competitions.

United therefore need players who can be trusted when the first-choice options are unavailable. Lewis Hall had previously been viewed as the preferred solution.

However, Newcastle are reportedly unwilling to sell the England international after losing several important players this summer. That has forced United to look elsewhere.

Jorge Salinas and Alejandro Balde enter the picture

One alternative is Jorge Salinas, the 19-year-old left-back from Racing Santander.

Salinas played an important role in Santander’s promotion to La Liga last season and contributed seven assists from the full-back position.

His defensive numbers are also encouraging, with the youngster recording more tackles per 90 minutes than any other player in Santander’s squad. There is another major attraction.

Salinas reportedly has a £14m release clause, making him considerably cheaper than some of the other options United have considered.

However, Manchester United are not the only club interested, with Atletico Madrid also reportedly pushing to sign him. Then there is the more glamorous option.

Romano has revealed that contact has taken place between United and super-agent Jorge Mendes regarding Alejandro Balde.

The Barcelona full-back is a much more established name and would represent a major upgrade if United could convince the Catalan club to sell. However, there is an obvious problem.

Balde does not appear to be pushing for an exit. The Spain international is reportedly happy at Barcelona and wants to continue fighting for his position.

That means United cannot simply convince the player and expect the transfer to happen. Barcelona would also need to decide that selling him is the right financial decision.

Manchester United full-back options

Baleba deal shows United are still spending

The left-back search comes at the same time as United prepare to complete their move for Baleba.

The Cameroon international is reportedly heading to Old Trafford in a deal that could eventually reach £70m.

That follows the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, showing just how heavily United have invested in rebuilding their midfield.

Baleba’s arrival could improve United’s defensive protection in the centre of the pitch, but it will not solve the problems exposed against Hull.

The opening-day defeat showed that United still have weaknesses around the team. Both Hull goals came from set-pieces, which will concern Carrick and his coaching staff.

A new left-back would not automatically fix those issues, but greater competition and squad depth should give the manager more options.

Balde would be the dream option, but Salinas makes more financial sense

There is an interesting choice facing United. Balde would clearly be the more established option.

At 22, he already has significant experience at Barcelona and at international level. His attacking ability would also suit a side that wants its full-backs to contribute more in possession.

But getting him out of Barcelona could be extremely difficult. If the player is happy and wants to remain at the club, United would need Barcelona to actively decide that they want to sell.

Salinas is a completely different proposition. He is younger, much cheaper and still has plenty of development ahead of him.

The reported £14m release clause would make the move financially attractive, although Atletico Madrid’s interest could complicate matters.

For United, the decision may ultimately come down to whether Carrick wants an immediate starter or a player who can develop into one.

Man Utd transfer window is far from finished

The defeat at Hull was a warning that United cannot assume their summer recruitment has solved every problem.

Carrick will need his players to improve quickly, but the transfer department also has work to do.

Baleba’s arrival would strengthen the midfield, while a new left-back could address another obvious weakness.

United have already spent significant money this summer, yet the club’s continued pursuit of defensive reinforcements shows that the rebuilding process is not complete.

The next few days could therefore be important.

Balde remains the eye-catching option, Salinas looks like the value alternative, and Lewis Hall is still difficult to pry away from Newcastle.

For Manchester United, the objective is simple: find a left-back who can give Carrick genuine quality and dependable depth before the transfer window closes.