Manchester United have enquired about the possibility of signing Barcelona's left-back, Alejandro Balde.
What position should Manchester United focus on this summer?
Left-back appears to be a priority position for Manchester United this summer, though it is unlikely to be the main focus with a head coach yet to be finalised and the midfield crisis seemingly an issue once again.
Michael Carrick appears to be a candidate in the managerial race, but it seems CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox are yet to formally approach any of their potential candidates - perhaps even more of an indication that they trust in the former No.16.
As for the midfield, Casemiro's departure, which has already been confirmed despite a clause in his contract that could have kept him at Old Trafford if he played every game from now until the end of the season, will be a big blow and leave a huge hole that Manuel Ugarte will not be able to fill, or at least many seem to believe that.
It seems that the transfer team agrees with the general consensus and will also look to sell Ugarte in the summer, who has failed to live up to expectations since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.
Bringing in two new defensive midfielders, one of whom could be Newcastle United's Bruno Guimarães, seems to be the priority, but left-back is also seen as an issue, with Patrick Dorgu now considered more of an attacker than a left-back.
United enquire for Alejandro Balde
In previous days, United had been linked with Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly. He has been out of the team for most of the season, despite impressing in his cameos last campaign.
New reports have now linked Lewis-Skelly to Old Trafford once again, but it is clear he is not the only option for Luke Shaw's competitor, as United have also been reported to have enquired about Alejandro Balde - Barcelona's left-back.
Aston Villa and Manchester City are also said to be interested in the young Spaniard, but Barcelona have "no plans" to sell Balde, according to Martinez Ferran.
United's Balde blow could lead them to pursue Lewis-Skelly further, especially after he missed out on the England squad earlier this week, while Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire were recalled.
How will United play next season?
If United are to sign a new left-back next season, it is important to consider how the team will play. Luke Shaw is an all-rounder, so he can play in most systems, but a younger, less experienced signing is unlikely to have the same flexibility.
Balde would need to be given the freedom to attack down the left flank, forcing the left-winger to play more centrally and the left-centre-back to move wider. This could work at Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha prefers to play in the half-space rather than out wide, and Lisandro Martínez is more than capable of drifting wider when in possession. Patrick Dorgu would also be able to interchange with Balde.
If Lewis-Skelly is the preferred target, Kobbie Mainoo would be pushed further forward when United are in possession, allowing the Arsenal defender to invert into a central midfielder, and the left-winger would be forced to stay wider. Again, this could work, but it would take Dorgu playing on the left wing or Cunha improving his positional discipline.
Either way, it seems United aren't settled on the profile of left-back they wish to sign, and that must change soon. Yes, the new head coach may not be decided, but the club must still sign players for their philosophy.
An attacking left-back and an inverting player do not show that everybody is completely aligned.