Man Utd's Left Back Search: Rating Their Three Best Transfer Targets

Manchester United's search for a new left back has reached a pivotal moment. While Alejandro Balde has become an increasingly realistic target in recent days, the Red Devils are also said to be exploring a surprise move for teenage talent Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander.

Drawing conclusions from a single match is risky, especially one as unpredictable as the opening fixture of a new season. Nevertheless, United's poor loss to Hull City on Saturday laid bare a problem that has lingered throughout the summer: the left back position.

Sergej Jakirović deliberately exploited the space left by Luke Shaw at fullback, which speaks more to a tactical vulnerability than a personal failing—Wayne Rooney had already taken his own shot at the player with his "schoolboy" jab at the defender.

Setting aside Shaw's form, which has been largely positive over the past year, United are looking for someone to help ease the burden on the injury-susceptible 31-year-old. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has been firmly ruled out, but there are other avenues for Michael Carrick to explore.

3. Wait 12 Months

This may be the most realistic, if least exciting, outcome. In their effort to shed the "dumb money" label, United have taken a more calculated approach to transfers in recent years. Last summer's window was sharply focused on revamping the attack—and it paid off. This year's expenditure has been directed toward central midfield, with results still to be seen.

Given financial constraints and the steep asking prices attached to the limited candidates United could realistically pursue, Sky Sports News reports that the Red Devils are "willing" to hold off until next summer before addressing a defensive overhaul. This would be a significant gamble.

The fact that Shaw managed to start all 38 Premier League matches last season was something of a small miracle. Factor in an additional eight Champions League appearances and deeper runs in domestic cup competitions, and the likelihood of the fullback breaking down increases dramatically. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui offer adequate but far from ideal cover in Shaw's absence, yet surely there is room in the budget to bring in a new signing.

2. Jorge Salinas

United's surprising interest in Salinas was first reported by The Athletic. The 19-year-old progressed through his hometown club's youth system to enjoy a breakout season last term, playing a prominent role for a Racing side that earned promotion back to Spain's top division.

Despite occasionally filling in at center back, Salinas registered seven assists last season, the highest tally among defenders in the Spanish second tier.

Atlético Madrid have also been linked with the player, who carries an $18.7 million (£13.7 million, €16 million) release clause. Whether United could negotiate that figure down remains uncertain, given that Salinas's top-flight experience consists of just two appearances so far this month.

1. Alejandro Balde Loan

Balde is the standout candidate. Despite slipping behind João Cancelo in Barcelona's depth chart, he remains a player who has been the most frequently used fullback for the Spanish champions in three of the past four seasons. The one campaign in which Balde failed to feature in more than half of Barcelona's La Liga matches, the club finished as runners-up to Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old has the athletic qualities to thrive in the intensity of the Premier League. Balde was so quick as a youngster that his classmates needed a head start in races and he still won. That explosive pace could add another dimension to a flank that already features Marcus Rashford, his former Barcelona teammate from just a few months ago.

The sticking point for United appears to be the fee. The Times reports that Barcelona have placed a $47.7 million (£35 million) valuation on Balde, while United are only keen on a loan arrangement. That would not only conserve funds but also leave the door open for United to revisit a move for Hall, their preferred first-choice target, next summer.

Flick has already publicly distanced himself from Balde and made clear the squad can operate effectively without him, with Xavi Espart serving as backup cover for Cancelo.