At the time of writing, approximately eight days and two hours remain in the Premier League’s summer transfer window.
For many, the pace at which Manchester United have operated is concerning, particularly after the most lacklustre of performances against Hull City.
But for all the grace and grandeur that shiny new acquisitions offer on paper, a lack of mentality or urgency cannot be purchased. That is the minimum expectation for an elite athlete.
Nonetheless, a season must be treated like a marathon, and while ample questions have surfaced following a shambolic afternoon at the MKM Stadium, United remain committed to their summer plans.
Carlos Baleba is just an announcement away from joining Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in midfield, adding to the captures of Karl Darlow, Tynan Thompson, and further academy hopefuls.
On top of that, advancements in defence are also a priority, with a full-back option to rival Luke Shaw seen as a mandatory investment.
It’ll come as no surprise to you that Lewis Hall is viewed as the silver tuna within a pool of young and talented attacking defenders. Ineos’ officials have long coveted his services.
Although Jason Wilcox and co have been rebuffed on several occasions, ambitions of emerging in days or months remain, given our understanding that the player wants to move to Old Trafford.
But therein lies the question of what the 20-time English champions will do in the meantime, with a shared agreement about the need for multiple rotations across the field.
Should the club recruit an experienced name on a short-term basis, and return for Hall in a year? Or should they embrace youth and install a long-term figure to rival Hall for a decade?
This question presents a curious dilemma for the sporting department, given that finances are not as glamorous as some care to report. And because of this, we see names like Antonee Robinson routinely mentioned.
The Fulham man offers plenty of domestic experience, guile and a solid partner for Shaw. But he also presents a further injury concern, and Carrington is already bursting with agonising conundrums.
Elsewhere, David Raum and Myles Lewis-Skelly present completely contrasting profiles. The former is approaching 30 with zero Premier League experience, and the latter is still a teenager who would rather remain in London.
It’s easy to see why United turned their attention to Spain and the allures of La Liga talent. But they have plunged themselves into a precarious environment.
Say what you will about Barcelona and their bizarre transfer activity. Still, they attract the best players on the planet and even have enough pull to lure Rodri despite attention in Madrid.
So, it’s fair to say that entering a contest to lure a Spanish player away from the Catalans’ gaze is no easy task, and we are beginning to see the dynamics of such with Jorge Salinas.
United have monitored the 19-year-old for some time, and even held conversations with his representatives to gauge interest amid an offer.
While the Racing Santander defender would welcome a move to Manchester, Barcelona would be his dream destination. We’re told that Deco has been solidifying relations since winter and is eager to secure his signature, as are Atleti.
However, Barca would need to sell before buying. Understandably, this opens the door for another player of interest at Old Trafford, Alejandro Balde.
At 22, the Spaniard has already earned 116 La Liga appearances alongside seven outings for his country.
He is fast and attack-minded, strong and shrewd in either half. On paper, a dream signing for any manager.
But our sources have advised that Barcelona chiefs are willing to part ways, not because of mentality, but because they believe he should have progressed further at this stage of his career.
Another worrying factor is that he does not want to leave his home; he loves Barcelona and the football club. Yes, he would walk if deemed surplus to requirements, but is that an ideal recruit for Ineos?
United have set criteria for purchasing players who want to play at Old Trafford. Balde will go if he is not wanted at Camp Nou, and as previously reported, Salinas is viewed as their ideal replacement.
We can’t help but feel that lunging into a precarious marriage will prove problematic down the line. Hence, there are many unknown variables.
The coming days will tell a lot at M16, and decisions will be evaluated from far and wide. No more so than by Michael Carrick, who is eager to see his squad bolstered before the window closes, ahead of a crucial campaign.
Let us know your thoughts on Balde, Salinas, Hall and the cluster of potential arrivals in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by mrogowski_photography via depositphotos.com.
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