Man United transfer news: Barcelona leave £43m Michael Carrick target out of squad as Hull loss sends Red Devils warning

Barcelona have left Manchester United-linked left-back Alejandro Balde out of their squad for their weekend's game against Elche.

The Red Devils began their Premier League season in the worst way possible, losing 2-0 to newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday.

Michael Carrick will be alarmed by the nature of his side's defeat, especially by the performance of defenders like Luke Shaw, who found it difficult to deal with Hull attackers physically.

United have been linked with Barcelona left-back Balde this transfer window, and Transfermarkt currently value the Spaniard at just under £43m.

Barca have left the defender out of their squad for their clash with Elche, fuelling speculation that a move to Old Trafford could be imminent.

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Alejandro Balde transfer news: Is Barcelona defender right for Carrick?

Balde's career at Barcelona started brightly, with the defender making his debut for the club at 17 in 2021-22, and his ability to combine with teammates on the left flank helped make him a first-team option in the following campaign.

The 22-year-old is also an exceptional athlete, capable of covering ground at speed, and his pace would make him a welcome upgrade on Luke Shaw.

However, it should be noted that the Barca full-back has missed 40 games for the club since 2023-24 due to injuries, with the Spaniard suffering muscle injuries and a tendon rupture in that time.

If United do sign the defender, they must manage his minutes carefully as Balde would otherwise be at risk of missing a considerable number of matches.

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Have Man United neglected their defence this season?

United have focused most of their budget this summer on strengthening their midfield, and while they desperately needed to add in that area, they now have until September 1 to make reinforcements elswhere.

Left-back Shaw has been poor for some time, but there are other concerns in defence, with Harry Maguire struggling to be as impactful at 33.

Teenager Ayden Heaven looked out of place against Hull, and if the Red Devils fail to make defensive additions this summer, the club may continue to be exposed at the back.