Balde January move revived as United's left-back gap persists under Carrick

Manchester United are monitoring Alejandro Balde’s situation at Barcelona with a view to reviving a January transfer bid, as the left-back continues to be frozen out under Hansi Flick at the Camp Nou.

Balde, who was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer before opting to stay and compete for his place, has featured for just 12 minutes across all competitions this season. Flick has instead promoted academy product Xavi Espart into the starting role, with summer signing Joao Cancelo second in the pecking order. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has reported that the lack of game time could prompt Balde to reconsider his options in the winter window, despite assurances from his agent Jorge Mendes that the player would be “fine in the future.”

United head into the international break sitting 12th in the Premier League with only two wins in all competitions under manager Michael Carrick, who was appointed on permanent terms after last season but has struggled to replicate that form in his first full campaign. The club did not sign a left-back in the summer, leaving Carrick reliant on Luke Shaw, with Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Harry Amass as secondary options. Shaw’s performances have drawn criticism in recent weeks, adding urgency to the case for reinforcement.

Separately, United face a concern in their youth setup involving 15-year-old prospect JJ Gabriel. Former United assistant coach and scout Mick Brown has suggested Gabriel is damaging relationships at the club, claiming the teenager’s rapport with his under-21 team-mates has deteriorated. United recently rejected Gabriel’s request to have his registration cancelled amid reported interest from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. Gabriel had been tipped for a pathway into Carrick’s first-team plans this season, but Brown’s comments indicate his current standing within the academy is working against him.