Manchester United have spent the summer strengthening their midfield.
This objective appears to have been achieved with the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and with a deal for Carlos Baleba nearing completion.
United are not only keen to strengthen their midfield but have also shown a desire to add a left-back to their squad.
Left back situation
Luke Shaw had a great season last year, but it is widely accepted that he is unlikely to be able to replicate this form across a full season of Champions League football and, hopefully, more cup games.
Patrick Dorgu is also viewed by Michael Carrick as more of an attacking option, and Harry Amass is expected to leave.
The Red Devils have been linked with a plethora of names, such as Lewis Hall, Miles Lewis-Skelly, Jorge Salinas, and David Raum, to name a few.
Nonetheless, Fabrizio Romano reported yesterday that Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona is becoming a serious option for United before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
What does Balde bring to the table?
Balde, at 22 years old, is exactly the type of age profile that INEOS like to invest in. He has experience but still has a lot of potential to grow and could provide a significant sell-on profit in the future.
He has represented the Spanish national team on seven occasions and has played for Barcelona 168 times over five seasons, in spite of his young age. This includes 18 Champions League matches over the last two seasons.
Talent
Whilst Balde may not be as defensively strong as Lewis Hall or Luke Shaw, he brings much to the table offensively.
That is not to say the Spanish international is weak defensively, as he is at his best when pressing the opposition with his boundless energy.
His physique and agility are powerful weapons to help stop counter-attacks and would suit the Premier League nicely.
Nonetheless, as previously mentioned, it is in attack where he could truly shine.
United already have full-backs such as Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui who are better defenders than attackers.
Alejandro Balde, on the other hand, is “an elite, highly explosive modern left-back for FC Barcelona whose attacking talent is defined by elite vertical pace, exceptional ball progression, and dynamic flank play.”
He has also had a lot of success as an overlapping full-back, something United currently do not have with Luke Shaw owing to his age and inability to get up and down the pitch as he used to.
His speed and ability to carry the ball also make him a “potent weapon” in transitions, something which is vital to being successful in the Premier League, particularly in the biggest matches.
Final thoughts
Balde is not the perfect full-back, but he is someone who can add a lot to this United team. What’s more, at just 22 years of age, he has plenty of time to progress and improve in this increasingly exciting young team being built at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Balde 25/26 season stats
| Games played | Goals | Assists | Mins played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 0 | 3 | 2806 |
Source: transfermarkt.com
Feature image Judit Cartiel via Getty Images
