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With fewer than 48 hours left in the summer transfer window, Manchester United boss Michael Carrick acknowledged that he "wouldn't shut down" the possibility of one final signing.
"I think the situation that we're in, I think the business that we've managed to do, I'm pleased with," Carrick reflected following United's 5–2 win against Ipswich Town on Sunday. The Red Devils have thoroughly revamped their midfield, spending a combined $200 million on Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. However, not a single penny has been invested in any other first-team positions.
Against Ipswich, Carrick fielded the exact same defensive back four that started United's opening home fixture of the 2022–23 campaign. Four years later, some fresh faces wouldn't go unnoticed. There is a danger of United once again leaning heavily on Bruno Fernandes in attack, while one of the club's two senior strikers is reportedly being pushed toward the exit.
"We're always open to it if there's something else to be able to add," Carrick continued, "so I wouldn't shut that down." Here are some targets United may currently be weighing up.
Alejandro Balde
The most urgent requirement for Manchester United is a backup fullback. When Luke Shaw was substituted after a difficult 70 minutes trying to contain Ipswich's Abdul Fatawu, Carrick was forced to deploy right back Noussair Mazraoui in his place. The only natural left back on United's senior books besides Shaw is 19-year-old Harry Amass, who didn't even feature in the matchday squad this past weekend.
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde is the most prominently linked and appealing potential addition for United this summer. Electrifyingly fast and possessing seemingly endless energy, the Spanish talent is an ideal target, already having experience playing alongside Marcus Rashford during their shared time in Catalonia.
The sticking point is financial. Even though Hansi Flick is quite willing to let the 22-year-old leave, Barcelona's board are insisting on a permanent transfer, with a fee in the region of $47.4 million (£35 million). That figure is beyond what United are comfortable paying, as they are instead pursuing a loan arrangement. Whether Barcelona will soften their position remains unclear, but Balde isn't the only La Liga left back on United's shortlist.
Jorge Salinas
United have also been connected with a surprise approach for Jorge Salinas this summer. The teenage academy product from newly promoted Racing Santander is barely a recognizable name even in his homeland, yet has attracted the attention of multiple scouts during the club's ascent from Spain's second division.
Tall, physical and capable at center back, Salinas presents a contrasting profile to Balde, who would be expected to bomb up and down the touchline. The potential to reshape United's hybrid system—perhaps with the left back tucking inside while the likes of Diogo Dalot advance down the right—could appeal to Carrick, who will be keen to avoid becoming too predictable after catching much of the league off guard last season.
Embarking on his first experience of top-flight football this term, Salinas would presumably be more receptive to a supporting role than someone like three-time La Liga champion Balde. Nevertheless, relying on such an inexperienced figure would carry its own risks.
Ian Maatsen
Nearly 80% of the $487 million United have invested in new signings over the past two years has gone on players with Premier League experience. This preference for "proven talent" could also shape their left back search.
Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen has been the subject of an approach from United in the closing hours of the transfer window, according to Sky Sports News. The Netherlands international is unlikely to come cheap, and Villa may be reluctant to lose yet another player in a summer of significant departures. However, the signing of Matteo Ruggeri could push Maatsen down Unai Emery's pecking order, potentially encouraging the defender to seek a fresh challenge.
Maatsen is a versatile option for United, so composed in possession that he has previously been deployed in attacking midfield. Despite being just 24, the left-footer boasts considerable Premier League and European experience, having already appeared in both a Europa League and Champions League final.
Alexander Sorloth
Should United manage to push through a departure for Joshua Zirkzee, they may feel compelled to bring in a replacement. After all, Benjamin Šeško has already shown a worrying injury history and Matheus Cunha is far better suited to a deeper role rather than leading the line. That, however, is precisely where Alexander Sørloth excels.
The powerful Norway international has established himself as Atlético Madrid's go-to impact substitute. Since his move to the Spanish capital in 2024, Sørloth has scored 13 La Liga goals from the bench, a tally no other player in the league can match over the same timeframe.
The former Crystal Palace striker's only prior stint in the Premier League may raise some eyebrows—zero goals in 16 outings before a messy mid-season departure—but that chapter feels like a distant memory. Now a seasoned operator with an impressive Champions League scoring record, Sørloth could represent an enticing short-term gamble.