Manchester United are still weighing up a move for a left-back on deadline day as Michael Carrick looks for an 11th-hour addition to his squad. But Old Trafford sources insist they will only make a move today if the right opportunity arises and won't rush into a panic signing, despite the lack of a back-up to Luke Shaw.
Ineos keen to end stop-gap loans
United have made a habit of making short-term loan signings in recent seasons, including Odion Ighalo, Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Sergio Reguilon, but Ineos are keen to put an end to those stop-gap additions. That could mean United let deadline day pass without making a new signing before the window closes at 11pm, despite a net spend of just £110million this summer on four new additions, one of which is a back-up goalkeeper.
They have spent all summer considering options at left-back, with only right-back Noussair Mazraoui and winger Patrick Dorgu as alternatives to Shaw, but with long-term options Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly unavailable, are now looking at more low-key solutions.
Zirkzee departure could spark forward move
United could also consider a late move for a forward, although that will depend on whether Joshua Zirkzee leaves the club. The Dutchman is pushing for an exit and Juventus are keen, although the Serie A giants are also targeting Newcastle's Nick Woltemade. A move to Fiorentina fell through on Monday morning but Juventus and at least one other club remain interested in Zirkzee. Any departure for the 25-year-old would be on loan with an option or obligation to buy.
Even if Zirkzee does leave, there is no guarantee United move for a replacement. He was an unused substitute on Sunday and with Shea Lacey now a regular part of the first-team squad and Marcus Rashford back in the fold, Carrick has options in attack.
Academy exits expected on loan
Any other departures are expected to be at academy level. Left-back Harry Amass was left out of the Under-21s squad for their Premier League 2 win against Leicester City on Monday afternoon, although a potential move to Championship outfit Burnley is now off.
Amass' future isn't expected to be tied into whether United sign a senior left-back. The 19-year-old played a full part in pre-season but hasn't made the matchday squad for either Premier League fixture this term. United had been open to a permanent exit for Amass, but any deal is now expected to be a loan. Chido Obi is also keen to head out and play regular first-team football.
United will sanction temporary moves for both, but Amass and Chido have played first-team football at Old Trafford and there is a desire to only do a loan deal to a club they believe will aid their development.
