Man Utd information: £40m shock switch plan as star ‘cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick’

Manchester United have completed another signing with more deals and players heading in both directions to come before the end of the summer transfer window

Manchester United have given their fans a lift by signing Carlos Baleba and more arrivals are expected before the end of the summer transfer window.

Michael Carrick’s side slumped to a demoralising 2-0 defeat away to newly-promoted Hull City in their opening fixture of the new Premier League campaign on Saturday, sparking concern among some supporters that they do not have the squad required to compete at the top of the table and in the Champions League this term.

But they have moved to ease those fears by recruiting one of the best young midfielders on these shores. And there could be more movement in and out of Carrington in the coming days ahead of United hosting another former Championship side, Ipswich Town, at home on Sunday. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.

JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Chelsea mulling over shock Rashford move

Chelsea are reportedly contemplating a late swoop for Marcus Rashford, as per The Independent.

The Blues must decide whether to pay an estimated £40m fee and cover Rashford’s reported £300,000-a-week salary.

Any potential move would hinge on them first finalising a series of sales, with Aston Villa target Nicolas Jackson among those rumoured to be leaving.

It wouldn’t be the first occasion the London outfit have gone to United for an underperforming wide attacker.

United’s £73m flop Jadon Sancho and Ruben Amorim outcast Alejandro Garnacho both had unimpressive spells at Stamford Bridge.

Sancho’s temporary stint didn’t result in a permanent switch to Chelsea, while Garnacho did get a £40m permanent transfer to West London, but has now departed on loan to Aston Villa.

Rashford has spent the previous season and a half away on loan at Barcelona and Villa, but returned to Old Trafford during pre-season.

His second-half appearance at Hull marked his first competitive outing for his parent club since December 2024.

Balde price emerges

Manchester United will be required to fork out approximately £38.5million if they wish to secure Alejandro Balde from Barcelona, according to The Athletic.

A temporary arrangement could also be viable if all parties can reach agreement over the transfer of the 22-year-old.

The pacy left-back was omitted from Barca’s matchday squad for their weekend encounter with Elche.

Manager Hansi Flick said: “I spoke with Alejandro Balde today and said to him that I think you’re not here 100%, so it’s best that you stay at home and clear your mind. We will talk again tomorrow.”

Balde is among several left-backs linked with a United move, alongside Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas, 19.

However, a swoop for Newcastle star Lewis Hall appears to have been ruled out for now, with the Magpies stating the 21-year-old England ace is not for sale.

Baleba speaks to fans

Carlos Baleba says he can’t wait to work with Manchester United boss Michael Carrick.

The Cameroon international, 22, completed a £70m move to Old Trafford from Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday.

The midfielder has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the club holding the option to extend his stay for another season.

United have finally got their man and the successor to Casemiro, after the Brazilian defensive midfielder departed the club at the end of his contract in June and left a void in the Red Devils’ engine room.

Baleba said: “I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.”