The Wan-Bissaka Legacy

After signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019, Manchester United’s PR machine boasted that they had scouted 804 right-backs before landing on the Crystal Palace player. The claim was meant to convince fans and journalists that the club had done its due diligence when it came to scouting and data.

Lewis Hall’s £70m Hurdle

This summer United’s analysts again plumped for a prodigious English full-back playing for a Premier League middleweight. That player, 21-year-old Lewis Hall, ticks many boxes for the club except for the price. Newcastle has slapped a premium on Hall after the 21-year-old lost Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. Newcastle values him at about £70m, and United have indicated a reluctance to pay over the odds, so negotiations have hit a rock.

Shaw’s Injury Concerns

Luke Shaw, 31, started every Premier League game last season and performed solidly, but his history with injuries means another ever-present campaign is unlikely. United played 40 games last season - the minimum possible and the fewest since 1914-15 - and with the return of Champions League football they should play upwards of 50 games. Shaw’s injury record raises questions about his long-term viability.

The Left-Back Market

With the pre-season 4-2 defeat to Ruben Amorim’s Milan, Shaw struggled. Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander and Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys have been linked with the club, but both are green and would appear unready to usurp Shaw. Patrick Dorgu is viewed as more of a winger by Michael Carrick, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are clunky fits on the left side of defence. Youngster Harry Amass is likely to be sold or loaned out.

Carrick’s Push for a Marquee Signing

Carrick said last week that “we’re delighted with that [Baleba] but we need more.” He wants to keep pushing to enhance the squad. The Baleba deal would be a step in the right direction, but failing to sign another left-back could be a costly transfer mistake from the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Ratcliffe’s Penny-Pinching

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has gained a reputation for penny-pinching since acquiring a minority stake in the club. His drive to save money at Old Trafford has been controversial, with staff made redundant and bizarre cost-cutting stories. Yet last summer United shelled out more than £200m on a new frontline, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arriving and impressing in their debut seasons. They also found a gem of a goalkeeper in Senne Lammens from the Belgian Pro League. The financial outlay paid dividends, albeit after the sacking of Amorim, as Carrick guided United to third place.

The Bigger Picture

Many believe refusing to spend more would equate to hanging a bright young manager out to dry. Having won 12 of his 17 matches in charge and being handed the reins on a permanent basis, most agree Carrick has earned the right to lead United for a full campaign. The Baleba deal would be a step in the right direction, but the left-back search remains a critical question for the club’s future.