Manchester United were looking at reinforcements to strengthen the left-back position this summer, but ultimately decided not to sign anyone in that position.

United's top target was Lewis Hall, and the Old Trafford hierarchy held talks with Newcastle United, but the Magpies were adamant that the full-back was not for sale. Hall reportedly remains United's top left-back target, and United are expected to revisit the situation next summer.

United also considered a move for Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas, who had a £13.7 million release clause, but decided not to trigger that clause.

United assessed the market for loan deals. The club were reluctant to sign anyone on a permanent transfer to ensure they could revisit a deal for Hall in the future.

United held talks with super agent Jorge Mendes over signing FC Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, but the La Liga champions did not entertain talks over a loan deal for the Spanish full-back. The player himself also wanted to stay at the Camp Nou.

Another player United looked at was Rayan Aït-Nouri, and the Reds held talks with their local rivals over a deadline deal for the Algerian full-back.

According to ESPN, United were offered Rayan Aït-Nouri by his representatives in the last week of the window.

They were informed by Manchester City on deadline day that any deal must include an obligation to make the move permanent.

United withdrew its interest once it became clear they would have to make a long-term commitment to reach an agreement.  

Salinas, for his release clause of £13.7 million, would have been an ideal left-back signing for United this summer.

He is a player with immense potential who was available for a very low transfer fee. It was a deal that had a very high upside, and at the same time, it involved minimal risk. He would have given United another option at left-back, while also not necessarily blocking the way to signing Lewis Hall next summer.

United have taken a massive risk by not signing a left-back. Luke Shaw started every Premier League game last season, but has a long injury record, and it is unlikely he will be able to cope with the demands of playing multiple games a week.

Patrick Dorgu can also play as a left-back, but Michael Carrick seemingly sees him as a left winger. Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can all fill in at left-back, too, but all three of those are better in their natural positions. Harry Amass also stayed at United, but given the club was prepared to sell him for the right fee, he probably has no long-term future at United.