Man Utd Transfer News: Will Michael Carrick's Side Buy a Left-Back Before Deadline?
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Man Utd's midfield spending is done - now for a left-back?
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League games in the 2025-26 season
By Simon Stone, Manchester United reporter, Published 25 August 2026
The signing of Carlos Baleba completes a £155m summer revamp of Manchester United's midfield. At the end of last season, midfield was targeted as a priority area as United looked to build on qualification for the Champions League after a two-year absence.
Baleba arrives along with Andrey Santos (£48m from Chelsea) and £35m former Aston Villa man Youri Tielemans.
It means that, along with England's Kobbie Mainoo, United now have a spread of different attributes across their four-man midfield, three of whom are 22 or younger.
But pressure is always on at Manchester United...
Even Michael Carrick's calm exterior cracked in a post-match exchange with former forward Jan Aage Fjortoft, now a TV presenter for Viaplay, following the shock defeat at Hull when the Norwegian suggested there was a lack of passion in United's ranks.
"Come on, that's ridiculous," replied Carrick. "You played football. You understand. That's a ridiculous thing to say."
With midfield sorted, fans now turn to...left-back?
How many games can Luke Shaw play?
Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season and has been virtually untouchable for the past two years. However, his injury history and a crowded schedule raise concerns about his longevity.
Before the recent injuries, Shaw's record was not great:
- Between February 2024 and April 2025, he played as many games for England (three) as he did for his club.
- He missed three months at the start of the 2023-24 campaign due to various issues.
With a packed schedule ahead, another left-back seems likely.