Man United could give Alejandro Balde his dream team-mate amid transfer links

The Spain international is one of several names being linked with Michael Carrick's side as a left-back signing this summer. Luke Shaw is currently the only senior natural left-back at United, leading to speculation a new signing will arrive before the September 1 deadline.

Balde, 22, has been a consistent fixture in Barcelona's squad for four seasons now but could be sold over the next week. And he'd presumably take to the idea of linking up with Rashford on the left flank once more judging by his past praise of the player.

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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

"One English player that I would like to be Spanish is Marcus Rashford," he told ESPN in 2023. "Because he is a player who I like. I like his way of playing."

It certainly showed last term as Rashford and Balde lifted La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup together. Their union may have ended after Barca opted to not make the former's move permanent, though the duo could be reunited all the same.

Alarm bells rang on Sunday when Balde was omitted from Barcelona's squad for their trip to Elche. Los Cules dominated the match 5-0, with emerging gem Xavi Espart playing a starring role at left-back in Balde's absence.

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Manager Hansi Flick commented on the matter and appeared to suggest Balde's mentality is in question amid talk of an exit. And that could be a hint the player is indeed considering his future in Catalonia as United plot their next recruitment.

"I spoke with Balde this morning," said Flick after the win over Elche. "I told him he’s not 100 per cent, that it’s better for him to stay home. I asked him to think, reflect and clarify things and that we’ll talk tomorrow."

Rashford, 28, is back in the United fold under Carrick and looks set to remain for the current season. He played his first competitive game for United in 20 months on Saturday as they suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Hull in their Premier League opener.

Shaw copped criticism for his performance, only supporting the theory a new face at left-back may be required. ESPN reported Balde is available for somewhere between £26million and £34m, which could prove a bargain fee for a Spain international who has already won La Liga three times, though it's claimed United would prefer a loan deal first.