Michael Carrick has suggested that Manchester United will pursue a left-back once they finalise their move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. United are in advanced talks with Brighton, having submitted an initial bid of £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Baleba, 22, is set to become the Red Devils' third midfield signing of the summer, completing their rebuild in that area. A left-back is next on United's list of priorities, with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde emerging as a target on Thursday.
Carrick on squad strengthening
Asked in a press conference whether left-back was an area United could improve, Carrick replied: "I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad. We're certainly working towards that, making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward.
"You know, 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're a good way to doing that, so far."
Injury update ahead of Hull City opener
Carrick was speaking ahead of his side's Premier League opener away to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday. Even if United agree a deal with Brighton before the deadline for registering new signings, Baleba will not be available due to injury.
One player likely to feature is Benjamin Sesko, who Carrick mentioned as part of a four-man injury update. Striker Sesko missed the entirety of pre-season with a shin problem but returned to full training this week alongside goalkeeper Karl Darlow and defender Matthijs de Ligt, although Mason Mount needs more time in the treatment room.
"Yeah, Karl's trained this week. He's back training, so he's in good shape," Carrick said. "Matt's obviously been out for a long period of time, but he's training and great to have him back. Well, he won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction.
"So that's really a good bonus for us, at this stage to have him back. Ben's back training. So that's again another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.
"And then managing Mason a little bit, but he's very close, so it's touch and go for the weekend really, if not, going into next week ... He's picked up a little bit of a knock. There's no drama. It's maybe been a week or so, 10 days or whatever it's been. So it's nothing major."
