Manchester United Transfer News
Latest Manchester United transfer news with updates on Alejandro Balde, Carlos Baleba, Myles Lewis-Skelly and more throughout the day
Welcome to The Manchester Evening News’ live blog on the latest Manchester United transfer news on Sunday, August 23.
The Reds saw their season get off to the worst possible start on Saturday, losing to a newly promoted team in their opening fixture for the first time. The 2-0 defeat at Hull City will have rung alarm bells at Old Trafford, with pressure already building ahead of what looks like a must-win game at home to Ipswich Town next Sunday.
And attention will now only grow on the club’s summer transfer business. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have been the two big-name additions, but both struggled on their debuts.
There will be hope in M16 that Carlos Baleba’s imminent arrival could lead to some improvement. The Cameroon international is set to complete a £70million move.
Left-back is another area of concern, with Luke Shaw having less than a year left on his current deal. Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall have been linked, although neither deal looks realistic before the summer transfer window closes on September 1.
Follow all of the latest news and updates in our live blog below…
Key Events
Manchester United would not have expected to be taught a lesson by newly-promoted Hull City. But that’s how it panned out on Humberside. United started with a fluid attack of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. At the other end of the pitch, the Tigers had Oli McBurnie patrolling the front line.
There was a simplicity to their approach, with Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles looking to find McBurnie at every opportunity. United were warned about that threat early on when Noussair Mazraoui had to sprint back to clear the ball away from the striker.
McBurnie then forced a smart save from Senne Lammens moments before playing a hand in the opener. He was too strong at the back stick as he thrashed an effort towards goal. Lammens’ save denied him, but he could do nothing to stop Semi Ajayi firing home the rebound.
Read the full piece here
The Reds’ reasoning for not pursuing a deal for Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly has reportedly come to light. The versatile Arsenal star has attracted interest from both United and Chelsea.
The Gunners were transparent about the possibility of his departure, but their asking price ultimately led Old Trafford chiefs to abandon discussions. That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who reported that the quoted figure was too high for United, who subsequently redirected their focus towards long-standing target Baleba.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has since stated he is completely certain Lewis-Skelly will remain at the club.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of the players to be linked with a move to Manchester United.(Image: Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
United are set to sign Carlos Baleba for £65million, plus £5m in add-ons after agreeing a deal with Brighton for the midfielder.
The Reds’ opening offer of £60m, with £5m in add-ons, was rejected earlier this week. However, the Seagulls have now accepted an improved bid.
It is understood that United are delighted with the deal they have struck. Sources say Brighton’s stance last summer was they wanted more than Moises Caicedo was sold for. Chelsea signed him in a £115m deal three years ago, and Brighton valued Baleba at more than that sum.
Carlos Baleba is closing in on a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
United-linked Alejandro Balde will reportedly leave Barcelona this summer. Spanish site Jijantes claim that the left-back has told Barca he wants a new challenge after talks with the Catalan giants.
It is said that agent Jorge Mendes is working to find him a team before the summer transfer window closes on September 1. The Reds will prioritise a new left-back once a deal for Carlos Baleba is completed and Balde could be of interest.
Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has been linked with Man United(Image: Getty Images)
Hello and welcome to our live blog on the latest Manchester United transfer news. It was a disastrous start to the new campaign for Michael Carrick’s team on Saturday.
The 2-0 defeat at Hull City has already set alarm bells ringing and scrutiny on the Reds’ summer business has intensified. Work is underway behind the scenes to further strengthen United’s squad before the September 1 deadline.
We’ll have all the latest from Old Trafford throughout the day so stick with us!
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