Manchester United invested more than £150 million in midfield this summer with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba arriving at Old Trafford, but failed to add a left-back despite identifying several targets and making a late call to rivals Manchester City.
The club's immediate priority was strengthening midfield, yet adding cover at left-back was also on the agenda due to concerns over reliance on Luke Shaw. The Englishman played every game last season, showing improved durability, but in previous years he spent long periods injured. Now into his 30s, Shaw was exposed for Ipswich's opening goal on Sunday and owned the mistake himself post-match.
No notable defensive signing in two years
United's backline has not had a notable signing in two years, and it is seen as the next area the club will strengthen, though that will likely have to wait until next summer. Until then, manager Michael Carrick could come to bemoan the failure to add more quality — not that United can be accused of failing to identify potential targets.
Four players were missed. Lewis Hall was the most high-profile left-back linked with the club. He just enjoyed the best year of his career with Newcastle, but after the Magpies cashed in on a host of their leading lights, they were determined not to sell another top performer. Even if Newcastle had been prepared to sell, United would likely have lacked the finances to pursue the deal.
Late approach to Manchester City
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was on the market, and a loan deal could have been pursued. Despite a deadline day check-in on the player, United opted against trying to land the Spaniard. Jorge Sanilas at Racing Santander is highly rated in La Liga and was reported to have a relatively modest release clause, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona heavily linked, but United never backed up their interest with a bid.
As United desperately sought solutions, they put in a late call to Manchester City, approaching to see whether Rayan Ait-Nouri would be available, as confirmed by the Manchester Evening News. City were only prepared to consider a loan with an obligation to make the move permanent, but United did not want to commit to signing the Algeria international permanently, and thus a deal failed to materialise.
Options beyond Shaw
It means Carrick's options beyond Shaw, who will need to prove he can rediscover his top form, are teenager Harry Amass. The 19-year-old was tipped for a loan move to the Championship but ultimately remained at the club. Diogo Dalot is among those who could swap from the right to the left if needed. All of which has left United right where they started.
