Manchester United were heavily linked with several left-back targets during the summer transfer window, including RB Leipzig's David Raum, but chose to focus on the midfield, with three new signings in the engine room. 

Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba moved to Old Trafford to replace Casemiro – who joined Inter Miami on a free transfer – and solve a problem United have had for years: being overrun in central midfield. 

Baleba has yet to play a competitive match for Manchester United, but started alongside Matthijs de Ligt in a friendly against Lausanne-Sport during the international break.

He was named on the bench against Fulham before the break and could be in line to start against Tottenham Hotspur. Kobbie Mainoo will likely play alongside him if he is fully fit and available, but he withdrew from international duty after the Fulham match, along with Marcus Rashford. Santos, Tielemans or even Mason Mount could play instead of Mainoo. 

Where their is depth in central midfield, there is certainly not at left-back. Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw have both suffered time on the sidelines this season, and Harry Amass seems unlikely to feature, given he came close to leaving the club permanently in the summer. 

Shaw looks to be fit to face Spurs, though Manchester United seem to still be assessing the left-back situation. 

David Raum was one of many left-backs linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, but he remained at RB Leipzig for the 2026/27 campaign. 

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed Raum could still be an option for Manchester United. 

"Look, one to watch I think in summer 2027 and with this contract situation expiring and so interesting is David Raum, the German left-back," he said. 

"Because there are several top clubs around Europe looking at left-backs. David Raum has international experience doing very well for Red Bull Leipzig.

"He’s a solid left back and so a player to watch for sure."

Romano also explained that Manchester United are "still looking" at the left-back position, despite not signing one in the summer. 

"There were some links with Man United, let’s see because Man United are still looking at that position.

"But for sure there could be movement around David Raum and that could be one to watch."

As proven in the summer transfer window, Manchester United do not always sign their first-choice option if the price or competition proves too much. 

Raum's contract expires at the end of the season, but could be subject to lots of interest, given his Champions League experience. 

His relationship with Benjamin Šeško makes him an interesting option for Michael Carrick's side, but he is not the only left-back who has been linked to Old Trafford. 

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde appears to still be a possibility for Manchester United, with a loan deal seemingly on the cards. 

Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is another player United have been linked to. He appeared to be the first-choice target in the summer, but signed a new deal after the end of the transfer window.