Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign another left-back before the summer transfer window slams shut in just under two weeks.
The 2026/27 Premier League campaign begins this weekend, and Manchester United face Hull City in their opening fixture.
Michael Carrick will want his side to get off to a strong start after finishing last season as the in-form team across the division.
While the league begins, United are still looking to make moves in the transfer market before it shuts on September 3 at 5pm (UK time).
The club is closing in on a move for Carlos Baleba of Brighton, and he would become the third midfield signing of the summer after Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
But the Reds are also looking to bolster at left-back as Luke Shaw is the only senior option in that position heading into the new season.
United looking at new left-backs
Shaw, 31, started all of United's 38 Premier League games last season; an admirable achievement for the defender due to the injury problems he has faced throughout his career.
However, with the Reds now back in Europe and playing in four competitions, there is an obvious need for support in that position and United have been linked with several left-backs.
Lewis Hall is clearly the preferred option, as the Newcastle star is one of Europe's best left-backs, but he would cost over £60 million.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that United have spoken to the representatives of Racing Santander left-back Jorge Salinas, who has a £13.7 million release clause in his contract.
What did Carrick say about new left-backs?
Ahead of the season-opening weekend, Carrick made his first press conference appearance in front of journalists. The head coach conducted a sit-down interview with club journalists in Dublin but there were no press conferences before or after any of the pre-season outings.
The former midfielder was quizzed about United's transfer strategy heading into the final days of the window and asked specifically about how important the search for a left-back is.
Unsurprisingly, Carrick did not give much away in his answer. The boss simply stated that he wants to improve the squad but refused to mention any single position that is being targeted.
“I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad," Carrick responded, before going into slightly more detail.
"We're certainly working towards that and making most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward. I said the same thing to you last time.
"So, yeah, certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it and I think we were in a good way to doing that so far.”
