Manchester United have received a huge boost in the transfer market after a miserable start to the new Premier League season for the Red Devils
Manchester United have received some positive news in the transfer market after being embarrassed by a crushing defeat to newly-promoted Hull City.
Michael Carrick’s squad were outclassed, outplayed and outfought by the Championship play-off final winners as they lost 2-0 at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, thanks to first-half strikes from Nobel Mendy and Semi Ajayi. Carrick couldn’t contain his “disappointment” after the final whistle, but vowed United will improve.
He said: “It’s just one game, we’re disappointed we haven’t won. It’s not more than that, it’s not less than that. We’ve got to soak it up and come back stronger.” Fans will be pleased to hear that both a midfielder and a left-back remain on the Red Devils’ shopping list – 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
Announcement imminent
United have struck a deal worth £70m to capture Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, reports the Mirror.
A breakthrough in negotiations came last Friday, with the 22-year-old undergoing a medical at the weekend. The club will fork out an initial £65m for Baleba, plus a possible £5m in add-ons.
The Seagulls are also said to have secured a sell-on clause for the young midfielder. The details of this are yet to be released.
The Cameroon international has four goals in 112 appearances for Brighton. He has also won 16 caps for his country.
The Red Devils expressed interest in Baleba last summer, but Brighton were holding out for more than £100m for his services.
Now, United will land the exciting talent for £35m less than initially quoted and enhance their squad with a long-term target.
Balde gives green light
Alejandro Balde has given his representative, Jorge Mendes, the go-ahead to secure him a new club amid rumours linking him to United.
The Barcelona defender, 22, was omitted from the squad for their match against Elche on Sunday and it’s reported he is ‘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.
Spanish media outlet Sport reports Benfica also expressed interest in the left-back, but Balde could be viewed as an alternative to 21-year-old Newcastle star Lewis Hall.
The England international was United’s primary target but Newcastle are standing firm on not selling the youngster – culpable for a last minute penalty that earned Liverpool a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park on Sunday – leading Carrick to explore other possibilities.
Spanish outlet Sport claim Barcelona bosses are willing to cash in on Balde for around £38m as they look to raise funds.