Manchester United had an underwhelming transfer window, with the priority clearly being the midfield department. Michael Carrick brought in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to revive the midfield and gain control over games.

However, that hasn't seemed to work so far with United currently on five points from five games in the Premier League, as Carlos Baleba has yet to make his debut with an injury, and Santos has been kept on the bench in all but one league game.

Fans were desperately calling out for a left-back signing in the summer, but United left it too late. A collection of profiles entered the conversation, with Rayan Air Nouri reportedly being a last-ditch effort on deadline day, but ultimately United finished the summer with Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass as the main options at left-back.

With Shaw already sidelined multiple times this season due to injury, Dorgu showing more optimism in an attacking role, and Amass being only 19 years old, Carrick's side is desperate for a suited profile to come in and take the starting spot. One name has re-emerged as the potential answer in January.

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was a popular name among the fanbase to take over from Luke Shaw, with United reportedly holding talks over the fullback, with Barca in need of a sale during the summer.

Ultimately, the move broke down, and Balde stayed in Spain, but The Daily Briefing has reported that the possibility of a move has opened up again, with Barcelona making the 22-year-old's availability clear.

Having played only 12 minutes for the Catalan giants so far this season, Balde is clearly not the preferred option, with Joao Cancelo claiming the left-back role as his own. A move to Manchester United could be the best fit for all parties involved.

Barcelona have reportedly offered Balde to Chelsea and Liverpool as well, with January seeming most likely for an exit.

United need to have confidence in their fullbacks, and at only 22 years old, Balde already has an abundance of experience playing for one of the biggest clubs on the planet and could be the best option for Carrick.

It has been reported that Manchester United would be willing to part ways with Luke Shaw in the summer, making the need for a left back even more concrete.

Despite playing 38 out of 38 Premier League games for United last season, Shaw has unfortunately fallen back into his injuries this season, leaving United stretched at the back as they rely on rotating Dorgu, Amass and Noussair Mazraoui to deputise.

The England international has missed three of Manchester United's games so far this season with injury. Whilst he did start in their most recent fixture against Fulham, United need more reliability and reassurance on their backline, as frequent changes can cause turbulence within the squad.

For now, United's attention remains fixed on Tottenham Hotspur after the international break, where Carrick is in much need of a win to turn things around at Old Trafford after back-to-back home losses.