Man Utd sent ominous transfer message over ‘obvious’ signing

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Manchester United have completed three major signings this summer, but fans of the Red Devils have been warned that may be the end of their incomings, with an “obvious” addition overlooked.

Before the transfer window opened, it was clear that United were hunting two, probably three, central midfielders. Those have been achieved in the form of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and now Carlos Baleba.

But Michael Carrick’s side also wanted a forward and a left-back. With Marcus Rashford surprisingly set to remain at Old Trafford, the first of those is covered, yet the anticipated move for Luke Shaw cover may not arrive, according to BBC Sport.

United urge transfer ‘caution’

United have been linked with numerous left-backs due to long-standing fitness concerns over Shaw, despite his presence in every match in the Premier League last season.

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is well established as their dream option. The Magpies, though, are refusing to sell Hall after a summer that has seen key midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali prised away from them.

Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde has been cited as another possible signing, yet there is no guarantee the Blaugrana will sell, particularly with Lamine Yamal believed to have misgivings over the deal.

Finally, Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander is regarded as a budget option as he boasts a €16 million release fee. In this case, United would still face competition from Atletico Madrid.

Man Utd have established a transfer policy whereby they refuse to overpay for players, and this has put in doubt their willingness to do “an obvious thing” and complete a move for a left-back.

“With a week to go before the transfer window closes, the situation is thought to be fluid, but caution in United circles around the expectations of a new left-back being signed is being stressed,” the BBC reports.

One big sale could change everything

The transfer window is changeable, however, with situations capable of moving quickly – particularly at this late stage of the market.

United are not immune to this, and a big sale would alter the dynamic at Old Trafford.

While this is unlikely to be Rashford, there is extensive interest in Joshua Zirkzee, although it is unclear if this is sizeable enough to prompt a major change in their plans. Furthermore, Amad Diallo’s ongoing fitness concerns may mean United hedge their bets and retain the Dutchman.

Nevertheless, there is the possibility that he moves and is replaced by a left-back.

United have been renowned as poor sellers in recent years, which has been a point underlined this summer.

None of the players that the Red Devils wished to offload have departed, save Rasmus Hojlund, whose loan move to Napoli was made permanent last season when the Serie A club qualified for the Champions League, thereby triggering a clause.

Unless there is some late change, United’s expected move to land a left-back hangs in the balance.

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