Manchester United could be facing significant upheaval both on and off the field, with manager Michael Carrick under increasing pressure and a £33.4m-rated left-back now reportedly available for a January move.
Carrick replacement options
Should the decision be made to dismiss Carrick, former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes there are only two credible candidates for the position. In his view, either Eddie Howe or Unai Emery must be handed the responsibility.
"There are only, I think, two runners," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "Listen, Michael Carrick is still in the job, so it's unfair to be saying it. But if that's the case, if this doesn't improve, it's inevitable that he's going to lose his job. It can only be him (Emery) really, and Eddie Howe."
Howe is currently without a club following his departure from Newcastle, though he is not technically a free agent, as his former employers would still require compensation — estimated at around £3m — from any club looking to appoint him. With Emery contracted to Aston Villa until 2029, he would have proved considerably more costly.
Balde 'ready to leave'
One of United's most glaring transfer oversights during the summer window was their failure to sign a left-back to provide cover for Luke Shaw. Barcelona's Alejandro Balde had been linked with a late switch, but he chose to remain in Spain and compete for his place under Hansi Flick.
That decision has not paid dividends for the seven-time Spain international, who has managed just 116 minutes across four appearances. According to Mundo Deportivo, he has now accepted that he must seek a move away in order to secure regular first-team football.
Barcelona have placed a €40m (£33.4m) valuation on the full-back and are receptive to a January departure, according to Sport. However, the Catalan club would not entertain a loan arrangement, as they are looking to raise funds for their own incoming transfers.
