With the summer transfer window coming to an end in a matter of days, opportunities to make season-altering decisions are few and far between.
For Michael Carrick, squad harmony to serve a congested campaign is the number-one priority. Still, able-bodied options will play a significant role in his managerial journey.
His Manchester United squad has been strengthened in attack and midfield over the past 12 months, with Carlos Baleba the latest addition to supplement Ineos’ ambitious ideas.
But questions are surfacing about expectations and the capabilities inside the dressing room after the group endured a shambolic Premier League opening at the MKM Stadium.
However you look at it, this discourse was inevitable, given that the backline is the only area to avoid significant attention under the current sporting structure.
As you are undoubtedly aware, paper will never refuse ink, and mainstream media need something to poke at. What better way to guarantee clicks than by routinely pressing on a sore spot, eh?
Nonetheless, there is plenty of cause for concern when factoring in options available at left full-back, given Luke Shaw’s traumatic relationship with the physio table.
Therein lies an understandable desire for at least one more summer recruit to provide strength in depth and a rotation option during a demanding schedule.
Now, the last line may be considered controversial by those who crave more than an option; that person is crying out for Lewis Hall, and we all appreciate this.
The Newcastle man is considered the silver tuna at Carrington. Regardless, a prolonged process, similar to negotiations with Brighton, will have to suffice until next season.
Given the unified desire to acquire Hall, and the finances this move will require, a short-term vision to supplement the left-sided options is the primary consideration.
Whether this is to your taste or the intricate details of decades of financial mismanagement are distant to you, there is ample reasoning in the decision, and it is not related to ambition.
At 31, and with a solitary season remaining on his contract at United, Shaw extended his run of consecutive Premier League starts to 39 last weekend.
Given the catalogue of injuries the former English international has had to manage throughout his time in the North West, his availability has been nothing short of miraculous.
Still, history has a cruel way of rearing its head with Luke, and a more congested schedule generates ample worry within the fanbase. Contrary to narratives, Jason Wilcox has not ignored these facts.
Jorge Salinas and Alejandro Balde are admired in Manchester, and both were considered as long-term options to service the United defence, given their age, ability and potential for growth.
And while the former is not ruled out, his preference appears to be in Spain. Balde also has no current desire to depart his beloved Barcelona, despite their feelings.
Furthermore, there is a concern that recruiting young talent alongside future intentions could jeopardise long-term ambitions and block the development of individual players.
With this in mind, the club has considered a more experienced option to rotate on the left flank, and even remain at the club beyond Shaw to support Hall after his potential arrival.
As we previously stated at the Theatre of Red, Antonee Robinson is one option that could fulfil current expectations at United.
The 29-year-old is well accustomed to Premier League physicality with 159 top-tier appearances to his name, and would present an assured player on the left side of defence.
Admittedly, Robinson has also battled various injury setbacks that can cause further concern for Carrick and his adoring audience. For this reason, David Raum is another man who ticks many of the required boxes.
Although he is older than recruits for this Ineos model at 28, the RB Leipzig man has avoided significant injuries and prolonged periods on the physio table.
Standing 5’11”, the German international can play in defence or midfield, and has cultivated a powerful image during his 144 Bundesliga career.
Given his background as a high-lying attacker, Raum benefits from much of the requirements of the modern game and thrives with fast-paced transitions and accurate wide deliveries.
The German is athletic, strong in possession and routinely attempts to dictate counter-attacking plays.
Furthermore, a release clause of just £34 million makes his signature an even more attractive proposition, although we’re told that Ineos are attempting to negotiate a smaller package with future incentives.
What is clear today is that Omar Berrada and his team are working towards several potential signings, and have identified promise within their shortlist.
Whether a deal will be completed before the deadline is unclear, but there is every possibility that United will pursue this until the final possible hour of this summer window in an attempt to maximise value.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photos by News Images and Photo by vitaliivitleo via depositphotos.com.
Recent Posts
- United striving for momentum against City in Manchester derby
- Denis Law | The King Of The Stretford End
- United hit Sabah for four in triumphant Champions League return
