Man United transfer news: Michael Carrick faces £43m Alejandro Balde 'competition', including from Premier League rival

Manchester United will face competition from Aston Villa and Benfica for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde, the newest report has claimed.

The Red Devils are still thought to be looking for reinforcements this summer, with Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba edging closer to a move.

However, after the club's 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday, many fans urged United to bring in defensive additions.

Recent links have emerged to Barca left-back Balde, who is valued at £43m by Transfermarkt, and speculation about a switch to Old Trafford was fuelled when he was left out of the team's squad for their clash with Elche this weekend.

United may have to fend off competition for the 22-year-old, with Mundo Deportivo claiming that Aston Villa and Benfica are also interested in him.

Manchester United, Aston Villa, Benfica: Who will sign Balde from Barca?

While Benfica should not be entirely discounted from the race for Balde, they are at a sizeable financial disadvantage compared to their Premier League counterparts, and it would be surprising if the Barca defender signed for them.

Both Villa and United have made poor starts to the season, with the former losing 4-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, while also being reduced to 10 men.

Unai Emery's strong reputation across Europe could be a decisive factor in the race to sign Balde, with the head coach having won the Europa League five times across three different clubs.

United will likely be able to offer Balde a larger weekly wage than Villa, though both teams can offer the left-back Champions League football, and the Barca star will have a difficult choice to make this summer.

What else do Man United need in the transfer window?

The sooner Baleba arrives the better, but he should be the final midfield addition this transfer window, and the club should instead look to strengthen attack and defence.

Balde would be a fine addition at left-back, though adding a centre-back to the squad to either replace or rotate with Harry Maguire would be beneficial.

The Red Devils used left-back Patrick Dorgu as a left-winger against Hull, and while he has impressed there in the past for Carrick, it is hard to see the Dane consistently impacting games to a high level.

However, the winger market is quite limited, and with the window set to close on September 1, United's attack may not be reinforced.