Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has hinted at another signing during the summer transfer window -Credit:Charlotte Tattersall - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images Michael Carrick has indicated that Manchester United will pursue a left-back once they finalize their move for Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. United are in advanced negotiations with Brighton, having submitted an opening offer of £60 million ($81.8 million) plus £5 million ($6.8 million) in add-ons.
Baleba, 22, is poised to become the Red Devils' third midfield acquisition of the summer, rounding out their overhaul in the engine room. A left-back is next on United's list of priorities, with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde emerging as a target on Thursday. When asked at a press conference whether left-back was a position United could strengthen, Carrick responded, via The Mirror: "I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad. We're certainly working towards that, making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward.
Wayne Rooney urges Man United to sign Arsenal star and sends Marcus Rashford warning FIFA fires executive after he called for embattled President Gianni Infantino to resign -Credit:NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images "You know, I said the same thing to you last time. So, yeah, certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it. And I think we're a good way to doing that, so far. " Carrick was speaking ahead of his side's Premier League opener away to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday.
Even if United reach an agreement with Brighton before the registration deadline, Baleba will remain unavailable due to injury. One player likely to feature is Benjamin Sesko, who Carrick referenced as part of a four-man injury update. The striker missed all of preseason with a shin problem but returned to full training this week alongside goalkeeper Karl Darlow and defender Matthijs de Ligt, though Mason Mount requires additional time in the treatment room. "
Yeah, Karl's trained this week. He's back training, so he's in good shape," Carrick began. " Matt's obviously been out for a long period of time, but he's training and great to have him back. Well, he won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction. To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE "So that's really a good bonus for us, at this stage to have him back. Ben's back training. So that's again another positive.
Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well. " And then managing Mason a little bit, but he's very close, so it's touch and go for the weekend really, if not, going into next week ... He's picked up a little bit of a knock. There's no drama. It's maybe been a week or so, 10 days or whatever it's been. So it's nothing major. "
