Pressure mounts at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick remains coy on defensive reinforcements following a lackluster start, leaving fans questioning if late market moves can save United's season.
Manchester United's summer window has been a mixed bag, with certain positives to take with the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba completing a midfield revamp.
However, a lack of signings in other departments has left doubts in the fanbase with deadline day quickly approaching and much work needed to take Michael Carrick's side to the level of pushing for silverware.
Fans have been calling out for defensive reinforcements, particularly after United's poor display in their 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City. Carrick's side looked completely flat despite having pre-season to gel together.
Two set-pieces saw United fall behind, and a clear inability to create chances from wide positions held them back from finding any spark of a comeback. With Baleba being the latest recruit, Carrick has addressed the possibility of more incomings at Old Trafford this summer.
Carrick's View On More Arrivals
With the Premier League season now underway, the 45-year-old manager has spoken out on United's chances of bringing in more signings to bolster the squad and boost their chances of a trophy this season.
Carrick told Sky Sports: "New recruits? You never know. We prepare for all possibilities and always seek to improve."
One particular position that fans have called for improvements in is at left-back, with Luke Shaw declining, Tyrell Malacia leaving already, and Patrick Dorgu progressing to an attacking role.
The lack of names emerging in transfer talks has been concerning. Pairing this with Carrick's vague answer seeds more doubt that United will bring in more reinforcements.
Ian Maatsen has appeared on United's radar, but Carrick's lack of clarity and usage of Shaw last season could tell a different story.
Do Man Utd Look For A Loan Signing?
Previous seasons have seen United resort to loan signings as they entered the latter stages of the transfer window, such as Edinson Cavani, Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon, to come in as temporary fixes to plug the gaps for short periods of time.
This may be a realistic option for United given their inability to sell players for substantial fees as well. This window has seen the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea make major profits from players who have underperformed since joining, whilst Manchester United are struggling to even find a loan move for the likes of Joshua Zirkzee.
This could be primarily due to the high wage bill of Manchester United players, which has seen the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho struggle to find permanent moves away from the club.
With Ipswich as their next opponent at Old Trafford on Sunday, it could be another reminder of where United need to address in the squad, whether that be in the form of a loan move or permanent signing.
