Man Utd 'still interested' in deal for Barcelona star facing brutal treatment

United were widely linked with signing a new left-back in the summer following the departure of Tyrell Malacia on a free transfer, who went on to move to Major League Soccer to join FC Cincinnati.

Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu remain the only recognised left-back options available to Michael Carrick in the United first team, which led to rumours that a new signing would be made before the window closed.

Balde’s future at Barcelona remains up in the air, and there has now been a fresh update on the Spain international.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo have reported that United are “still interested” in signing Balde as the January transfer window approaches.

The report suggests that Balde could be a player who leaves Barcelona in the New Year, with United the only club mentioned as showing an interest in signing the defender.

Balde has struggled for regular game time at Barcelona this season, with manager Hansi Flick only handing the left-back just one appearance, which came as a late substitute against Racing Santander in La Liga back in September.

Barcelona reportedly denied Balde the chance to leave the club in the summer, but it has been suggested that stance could change when the January transfer window opens.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

The 22-year-old has been an unused substitute five times in La Liga this term, and it was the same story when Barcelona faced Feyenoord in the Champions League at the start of September.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Balde, particularly with a transfer window close to opening, and whether or not United will pursue a deal for the left-back.

Shaw and Dorgu have started at left-back for United this season, but the latter suffered a suspected injury while on international duty with Denmark last week.

United return to Premier League action this weekend when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, and Carrick will be expected to provide a fitness update on his squad later in the week.

Get the best United news, updates and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Manchester Evening News!

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