With deadline day just under two weeks away, time appears to be rapidly running out for Manchester United to make any further, much-needed signings, with Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow, and Youri Tielemans being the only current new additions to Michael Carrick's squad so far.

Although Carrick will be somewhat pleased with the little business United have done so far, with the squad already being stretched thin through injuries as well as the looming challenge of Champions League football, what the ownership have been able to provide for Carrick so far is nowhere near enough if United wish to have a successful campaign.

United's recent pre-season defeat at the hands of Ruben Amorim's AC Milan side acts as further evidence of their desperation for reinforcements, with Luke Shaw, the club's only fit left-back, arguably being at fault for all four Milan goals, whilst another one of United's midfield options in Mason Mount was once again forced to withdraw from the field in the Reds' fixture with PSG, further piling on to the squads injury struggles.

However, despite the overwhelming feeling of negativity amongst United fans and the media, there could still potentially be some hope that United will look to make more additions to the squad before deadline day.

It has been widely rumoured over the past week that the Manchester United hierarchy has looked to adjust their focus to identifying a left-back target, heading into the final weeks of the window. Carrington prospect Harry Amass is looking as though he could be on his way out, and with Luke Shaw being the only current senior left-back at the club, this has now been elected as United's main priority.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, he has also backed this claim, confirming: “Manchester United are currently very focused on a new left-back."

Romano also went on to discuss which potential targets United may look to pivot to, with Lewis Hall still amongst the names, despite Newcastle United's hard stance against any potential move for the Englishman.  

“Conversations are happening behind the scenes on several profiles. We know that one of the favourites was Lewis Hall at Newcastle, but Newcastle don’t want to sell the player."

Although a deal for Hall at this moment in time looks unlikely to be made, Romano has said that the club will have more than enough candidates for the position to pivot to.

“There are more candidates in the list at Manchester United being assessed, being discussed."

Manchester United's current situation regarding their hunt for a new left-back was not the only topic discussed by Fabrizio, as the journalist also mentioned the possibility of further midfield reinforcements, with Michael Carrick appearing to be the driving force behind a potential deal.

“Michael Carrick, not just in public in interviews, but also in private conversations with the club, is pushing to get one more player at least, might be two.”

With both Ugarte and now Mason Mount once again unavailable through injury, despite the incomings of both Santos and Tielemans, it now looks like Carrick may be in need of even further reinforcements.

However, whether the United manager will be granted any is yet to be seen, with there being zero noise about any potential moves as of yet.

With Romano also claiming the potential for United to bring in an additional midfielder likely coming down to 'market opportunities', it will be intriguing to see the state Michael Carrick's final squad will be in come September 1st.