Man Utd register interest in new left-back after bleak Alejandro Balde update

Updated: 25 Aug 2026 11:07 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Manchester United have made checks on Bournemouth star Adrien Truffert in their quest to sign a new left-back, according to The i Paper.

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The Red Devils are believed to have made “tentative enquiries” for the 24-year-old, who Bournemouth are desperate to keep hold of.

Truffert is developing a reputation as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League having sparkled since his arrival from Rennes last summer.

The France prospect registered one goal and five assists last season to help Bournemouth qualify for the Europa League by finishing sixth.

United only willing to sign Barcelona ace Balde on loan

United’s loose interest in Truffert comes after their pursuit of Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde reportedly hit the buffers.

The Times understands Barcelona value Balde at €40.9million (£35m) but United are only interested in signing the 22-year-old on loan.

Eyebrows were raised last Sunday when Balde was omitted from the Barcelona squad which travelled to Elche for their La Liga opener.

Hansi Flick, the head coach of the Spanish heavyweights, said he told Balde to stay at home over concerns he is not “100 per cent focused” on the club.

Since emerging through Barcelona’s youth system in September 2021, Balde has made 168 appearances for the club, recording three goals and 21 assists.

STATS

Alejandro Balde

D (L)

Barcelona

Alejandro Balde

D (L)

Barcelona

42

Games
0

Goals
3

Assists

He has won seven honours with the Blaugrana including three league titles and was named in the La Liga Team of the Season in 2022-23.

Balde has also earned seven caps for Spain.

United have also considered Hall and Raum for left-back role

United have been linked with several left-backs this summer, including Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and RB Leipzig’s David Raum.

Michael Carrick’s side are shifting their focus towards strengthening in that area of the pitch as their midfield rebuild comes to a close.

Compared

Lewis Hall

D (L)

Newcastle

Lewis Hall

D (L)

Newcastle

VS

David Raum

D (L)

RB Leipzig

David Raum

D (L)

RB Leipzig

2025/2026

Season Statistics

2025/2026

46	Appearances	34
1	Goals	3
2	Assists	9
83	Tackles	56
48	Interceptions	41

The 20-time league champions are set to announce the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion for an €81m (£70m) package.

Baleba will become the third midfielder to move to United this summer following the earlier arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

United endured a difficult start to the new Premier League season as they were comfortably beaten 2-0 at newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday.

Truffert meanwhile was part of the Bournemouth side who suffered a 2-1 reverse against Enzo Maresca's Manchester City on Sunday.

On the other hand, Barcelona began the defence of their La Liga title with a comprehensive 5-0 win at Elche, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scoring braces.