Manchester United have just hours left to finalise any transfer deals they have on the table this summer. Michael Carrick has added four players so far, spending almost £150million on new signings.
Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Carlos Baleba have all joined, with the main plan of rebuilding United's midfield seemingly complete. A left-back is still a major target for Carrick with Newcastle's Lewis Hall looking to be off the table.
Balde talks emerge
United are said to remain interested in Alejandro Balde as they look to boost the depth at left-back. Hall had been their primary target, but Newcastle made it abundantly clear that the young defender was not available.
This prompted focus to turn to the Barcelona full-back, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that fresh discussions between the clubs took place in Spain on Sunday. The report indicates that while the £34m asking price is proving a deterrent for United, Barca are willing to sanction the defender's departure this summer.
Balde was recalled to the squad to face Athletic Club, having been left out of the La Liga curtain-raiser against Elche. However, Hansi Flick has yet to field the defender this season and he could be heading elsewhere before the window closes on Tuesday night.
Marcus Rashford stance clear
United chief Omar Berrada has virtually confirmed that Marcus Rashford will be remaining at Old Trafford this season. The England international had been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona following an impressive loan spell.
However, the Spanish giants decided against bringing Rashford back to Spain and he has since rejoined United, featuring in both of their opening Premier League matches against Hull City and Ipswich Town. Speaking ahead of the home victory against the Tractor Boys, Berrada wrote in the matchday programme: "We will have our new signings Andrey [Santos], Youri [Tielemans], Karl [Darlow], Tynan [Thompson] and Carlos [Baleba] here this afternoon."
"We know you will give them all a very warm welcome and get behind them as they begin their Manchester United journey. We're also very pleased to welcome Marcus [Rashford] back to the team. We believe that they will all help to improve the squad as we compete on multiple fronts."
Carrick has also spoken highly of Rashford following his display against Ipswich. The United manager said: "He's adding to the group for us, for sure. I've known him for a while, and then he wasn't here when I've come back, and now he is."
"I think he's making the most of that for us and for him as well, to have the opportunity to be here. He's one of our own. He's living his dream, playing here now and trying to be successful and win. Whatever's gone on, I think part of this club, there's players that have come back sometimes, or players that maybe were going to leave, didn't leave."
"It's always about what you do next, and what your intentions are. He's been fantastic since he came back, I have to say, and it was great to see him on the pitch today for us."
