Manchester United have just two full days remaining before the transfer window closes, and the club still needs to complete at least one more piece of business. The priority for the summer was addressed last week with the arrival of Carlos Baleba, but the squad is still short in one key area.
Midfield priority completed, left-back remains
Before the market opened, United knew they needed to strengthen their midfield. The July arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans eased the pressure, but a third midfielder was always required, especially with Manuel Ugarte injured. Carlos Baleba was a long-term target, and once it became clear a £70m deal was possible—instead of the £100m+ quoted last summer—Ineos moved quickly to get it done.
In an ideal world, United would not need to do any more business this summer, especially with just two days left. However, it is obvious they need one more transfer: a left-back to provide cover for Luke Shaw.
Shaw's workload and the need for rotation
Shaw deserved all the plaudits that came his way last season. After a period of injury struggles, the left-back did exceptionally well to feature in every single Premier League game. But it would be naive to think Shaw could repeat that in the 2026/27 campaign. This year is already going to be busier for United than last season.
Eight matches have been added to the schedule after United qualified for the Champions League. The Reds should also go further in the Carabao and FA Cups, having been knocked out at the first time of asking in both domestic cups last term. That additional load means United will need to rotate, and they cannot rely solely on Shaw to play in all competitions.
Options: a starter or a young prospect
On the right, United have Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui battling for a start. The Reds need that same depth on the left. Who they choose to target will shape United's plans for the next year.
One option is a recognised starter. Lewis Hall is the player United have been interested in for the majority of the summer. His signature would nail down that left-back role for the foreseeable future, but a summer of change at Newcastle means they are in no mood to sell him at this late stage. Alternative options such as Ferdi Kadioglu, Alejandro Balde and Ian Maatsen have all been suggested. Were one of those to join, we could see a changing of the guard at left-back this season.
None of these players would be happy playing second choice to Shaw, and they likely wouldn't sign for United if that was the case anyway. Any one of their arrivals would place doubts over Shaw's future. He is out of contract at the end of this season and would have to decide whether to stay as a back-up or leave on a free to gain more regular minutes. It would also mean United could focus next year on strengthening their attack, an area that has been neglected this summer with the Reds hopeful Benjamin Sesko can stay fit to hold down the fort up front.
On the other hand, United could decide to sign a more youthful left-back before the window closes. Jorge Salinas at Racing Santander has been mentioned this summer, but at 19 he is unlikely to come in as an immediate first-choice starter. Instead, he would be given time to settle in the Premier League and learn the ropes under Shaw. That would also mean Shaw stays as the first-choice left-back for this season, with Salinas given opportunities off the bench and in cup competitions. United would then push the left-back conversation to next summer, when they could revisit a move for Hall or decide that Salinas or another young arrival is ready to make that position his.
Next 48 hours decisive
What is clear is that it all rests on the next 48 hours. Whichever direction United decide to go will have a knock-on effect for the next year.
