Manchester United are approaching a crucial stage in their search for a new left-back as the summer transfer window moves toward its conclusion. Alejandro Balde has emerged as a more realistic target, while a surprising alternative has also entered the club’s plans in the form of Racing Santander teenager Jorge Salinas.
United’s opening Premier League defeat to Hull City once again highlighted an issue that had already been under consideration throughout the summer. The space on the left side of the defence remains an area opponents can potentially exploit, particularly when Luke Shaw is unavailable or unable to maintain his best level over an extended period.
Although Shaw has shown encouraging individual form over the past 12 months, his age and injury history remain significant concerns. Now 31, the England international cannot realistically be expected to handle an intense schedule without additional competition and support.
Lewis Hall of Newcastle had previously been considered as one of the possible solutions, but he is now reportedly no longer in Manchester United’s plans. As a result, manager Michael Carrick and the club’s recruitment team must weigh up three different approaches before the transfer deadline.
Waiting Until Summer 2027 Remains an Option
The most cautious solution for Manchester United would be to postpone the signing of a new left-back until next summer.
According to Sky Sports News, United are prepared to consider this possibility because of financial restrictions and the increasingly expensive market for several of their preferred targets. Rather than spending heavily on a player who may not represent the ideal long-term solution, the club could choose to rely on its current squad for another season.
This approach would also be consistent with the more disciplined transfer strategy Manchester United have attempted to adopt in recent windows.
Last season, much of the club’s attention was focused on strengthening the attacking department. This summer, a greater proportion of the available budget has been directed towards improving midfield, meaning another major investment at left-back could prove difficult.
However, delaying the decision is not without considerable risk.
Shaw’s fitness record means United could quickly find themselves short of options if he suffers another injury or struggles with the demands of a packed schedule. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both capable of filling in on the left, but neither is considered a natural long-term solution for the position.
United therefore face a balancing act between financial prudence and the need to strengthen an area that could become problematic during the season.
Jorge Salinas Emerges as a Surprise Candidate
One of the more unexpected names to enter Manchester United’s left-back shortlist is Jorge Salinas.
According to The Athletic, the 19-year-old Racing Santander defender has attracted attention after an impressive campaign with his boyhood club. Salinas played an important role as Racing Santander secured promotion to Spain’s top division, increasing his profile considerably.
His attacking contribution is particularly noteworthy.
Salinas registered seven assists last season, the highest tally recorded by a defender in Spain’s second tier. Those numbers underline his potential as an attack-minded full-back capable of providing width, creating chances and contributing to his team’s offensive play.
His performances have also reportedly attracted interest from Atletico Madrid, meaning Manchester United could face competition if they decide to make a formal move.
Salinas is believed to have a €16 million release clause, worth approximately $18 million or around Rp331 billion. Compared with the prices being demanded for more established left-backs, the figure could make him an attractive investment for United.
Nevertheless, there is an obvious concern.
The teenager has very limited experience at the highest level. He has made only two appearances so far this season, meaning Manchester United would be taking a significant gamble by immediately asking him to compete in the physically demanding environment of the Premier League.
The club would therefore need to decide whether Salinas should be viewed as an immediate first-team option or as a promising long-term investment who could develop gradually.
Alejandro Balde Offers the Most Immediate Solution
Among the potential candidates, Alejandro Balde arguably represents the most ready-made option.
The 22-year-old Barcelona left-back already has considerable experience playing at the highest level and has competed in major domestic and European matches. His pace, athleticism and ability to cover large areas of the pitch could make him well suited to the intensity of the Premier League.
Balde’s profile also offers something Manchester United currently need: a naturally attacking left-back capable of supporting the forwards while still providing defensive width.
However, the biggest obstacle is not necessarily the player’s ability but the structure of a potential deal.
Barcelona are reportedly seeking a fee of around $47.7 million, equivalent to approximately Rp845 billion. Manchester United, however, are understood to prefer a loan arrangement rather than committing to a permanent transfer at that valuation.
A loan could provide an attractive compromise for United.
It would allow the club to strengthen the position immediately without making another major financial commitment. At the same time, Manchester United could preserve resources for other priorities and potentially revisit their pursuit of Lewis Hall in the summer of 2027.
Three Different Strategies for Manchester United
The three options present very different paths for Manchester United.
Signing Balde would provide the most immediate solution. The Barcelona defender already understands elite-level football and could compete for a starting position from the moment he arrives.
Pursuing Salinas would represent a longer-term investment. His impressive attacking numbers and potential make him an intriguing prospect, but his lack of top-flight experience means he would likely need time to adapt.
The third option is to do nothing for now and wait until the summer of 2027. This would protect United’s transfer budget and allow the club to reassess the market with potentially more flexibility, but it would also leave Carrick dependent on Shaw, Dalot and Mazraoui throughout the season.
Manchester United Must Choose Between Now and Later
The left-back situation therefore presents Manchester United with a significant strategic decision.
The club can spend now on an experienced player, take a calculated gamble on a young prospect, or maintain the current squad and wait for a better opportunity next summer.
Alejandro Balde appears to be the most obvious solution if United want immediate competition for Shaw. Jorge Salinas, meanwhile, could become an interesting project for the future, particularly given his impressive creative numbers at Racing Santander.
Waiting until 2027 may ultimately prove to be the most financially responsible approach, but it carries the danger of leaving Manchester United vulnerable if Shaw suffers another injury.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Michael Carrick and the recruitment team must decide which priority matters most: an immediate fix, a long-term investment, or patience for a potentially better opportunity in 2027.
Whatever decision United make, the left-back position remains one of the key areas that could influence the club’s ability to compete consistently throughout the 2026/2027 season.
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