Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is expected to bolster his squad further during the current transfer period.
Carrick will require additional options(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The Red Devils are aiming to complete further transfers before their next home fixture at Old Trafford. The team suffered a discouraging defeat in their first match of the season against recently-promoted Hull City, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring in a 2-0 victory.
Carrick has stated that he will not allow the setback to affect the squad’s confidence, acknowledging that there were aspects of the performance that showed promise. He noted that the team struggled after falling behind early, making the task much harder. He described it as a typical encounter with a newly-promoted side at their own ground, where giving them any encouragement makes the challenge significantly greater. He acknowledged that while opportunities arose, the team lacked the necessary creativity to capitalise on them or generate further chances. He expressed strong disappointment with the outcome but emphasised that the defeat would not dent their belief.
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The United manager will now shift focus to the transfer market with numerous players linked to the club. Here, the Manchester Evening News looks at potential incoming and outgoing transfers this week.
Carlos Baleba
Baleba appears poised to become Carrick’s fourth summer acquisition as United finally secure the highly-regarded midfielder. The player will arrive for a package worth £65million plus an additional £5m in performance-related clauses.
Baleba’s arrival is close(Image: Jorge Horsted/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
United’s initial £60m proposal to Brighton was turned down but the club has now accepted an improved offer. Sources indicate that officials are pleased with the agreement reached after Brighton had originally sought in excess of £100m last year when United first showed interest.
Baleba will complement existing midfield additions Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, joining a department already featuring Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.
Alejandro Balde
Balde could serve as an option at left-back(Image: Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Balde may represent a more achievable target at left-back after Newcastle prevented Lewis Hall from departing. United had expressed interest in the Magpies defender but his club has firmly rejected any possibility of a sale this summer.
Balde has been suggested as another left-back candidate following Spanish outlet Jijantes reporting that the player is seeking a fresh challenge. The 22-year-old’s representative, Jorge Mendes, is working to secure the defender a new club before the deadline and a switch to Old Trafford could prove the most attractive option.
The full-back was omitted from Sunday’s matchday squad against Elche amid speculation linking him to United. With Baleba’s arrival strengthening the midfield, Carrick may pursue the Spaniard this week.
Louis Page
United have interest in Page(Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
United have entered the race alongside Arsenal for Leicester City youngster Louis Page, with both clubs seeing opening offers rejected for the 18-year-old. The Sun reports that the Foxes swiftly turned away the approaches, with Russell Martin stating that no further developments have taken place.
He stated that discussions and enquiries continue but there has been no official movement since the bid was rejected.
Page carries a valuation of approximately £10m with United now well-placed to submit another offer for the promising teenager.
Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee may be departing(Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Zirkzee is among those who could leave Old Trafford this summer. The forward has drawn interest from Juventus and Aston Villa, with United valuing him at roughly £40m.
The Sun reports that Villa’s interest comes as questions surround Ollie Watkins’ future. Italian outlets suggest Juve have explored a potential deal for Zirkzee, who would serve as cover for their primary target Randal Kolo Muani.
Harry Amass and Toby Collyer
Several squad players may depart(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
United may also sanction permanent departures for two academy products, with a £7m sale being considered for Harry Amass. BBC Sport reports that the club are weighing up the proposal for the 19-year-old following his early return from a loan spell at Norwich last term.
The Canaries could reignite their interest in the defender, or another Championship side may take a chance on the teenager. Meanwhile, Toby Collyer is reportedly drawing attention from Hull City, with United believing they could command a significant fee for the midfielder.
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