Man Utd information: £34m switch goal’s transfer ‘sanctioned’ as boss confirms ‘implausible’ plan
Manchester United are still hunting for new signings before the summer transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Tuesday, September 1, with Michael Carrick desperate for new blood
Michael Carrick wants to welcome new signings at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick is hoping Manchester United can get a £34m deal over the line on transfer deadline day.
The Premier League giants have sealed deals for Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow so far, splashing out nearly £150m on fresh faces, and bounced back from a chastening 2-0 defeat away to Hull City on the opening day with a 5-2 thumping of Ipswich Town at home on Sunday.
The Champions League is also set to kick off soon, with United facing a home fixture against Sabah on September 10. Carrick knows his squad needs further work, particularly in defence, to compete on four fronts as the clock counts down to the 11pm deadline on Tuesday. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick has overseen a revamp of Manchester United but it’s not done yet(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford’s future decided
United executive Omar Berrada has seemingly confirmed Marcus Rashford is poised to remain at Old Trafford this season.
The England international, 28, had been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona following a successful loan spell last term, reports the Mirror. However, they chose not to bring Rashford back to Spain, even for a budget £26m, in part due to his whopping £300,000-per-week wages.
He has since returned to United, featuring in both of their opening Premier League matches against Hull City and Ipswich Town. Speaking prior to the home triumph over the Tractor Boys, Berrada penned in the match programme: “We will have our new signings Andrey [Santos], Youri [Tielemans], Karl [Darlow], Tynan [Thompson] and Carlos [Baleba] here this afternoon.
Marcus Rashford’s future has become much clearer(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
“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 lauded 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.”
Barcelona talks emerge
Alejandro Balde could still join United this summer(Image: Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
United reportedly remain interested in Barcelona ace Alejandro Balde as they look to bolster the left-back position.
Lewis Hall, 21, was Carrick’s primary target, but Newcastle made it clear that the young defender was not available for transfer. This prompted the club to switch their focus to the Spanish full-back.
Football transfers journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed discussions have taken place in Spain concerning the 22-year-old’s future. The report suggests that while the £34m valuation is proving problematic, Barca are willing to sanction the defender’s departure this summer.
Balde was recalled to the squad to face Athletic Club after being omitted from the La Liga opener against Elche. Yet Hansi Flick has still not utilised the defender this season and he could be heading elsewhere before the window closes on Tuesday night.
The defender is said to be ‘most excited’ by a potential move to Old Trafford. Despite his young age, Balde has already made 168 appearances for the Spanish giants in all competitions over the last five seasons, scoring three times.
He has played seven times for Spain and is renowned for his pace, dribbling and attacking contributions from fullback, with 22 assists in his time at the Nou Camp.
