Flick urges sidelined Balde to find best form after Man United move collapsed

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has broken his silence on Alejandro Balde’s difficult start to the season, urging the 22-year-old to rediscover top form after the left-back remained on the bench for all five of the club’s opening fixtures — all of which ended in victory.

Balde had been linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window, but the deal never materialised. Club sources played down United’s chances of signing him, while Barcelona — valuing their academy graduate at around £30 million — were unwilling to let him leave on loan. With his future unresolved until the window closed on 1 September, Balde returned to the Camp Nou only to find himself frozen out of Flick’s matchday plans.

“We have five full-backs — two on the right and three on the left,” Flick told Spanish publication Sport. “Nobody expected Xavi Espart to play at this level. Balde needs to bring out his best version. He is already doing that in training.”

Flick acknowledged the frustration the player must be feeling. “I understand that the player is not happy, because he wants to play and isn’t getting minutes. He was key over the last two years. Things change. There’s a different dynamic now, and we have to manage it. He is doing well, and I am happy with him. It’s not an easy situation; it’s a competition for a position.”

For Manchester United, the failure to land a natural left-back before the window shut has left a visible gap in Ruben Amorim’s squad. Luke Shaw’s injury record makes reliable cover in that position a pressing need, yet no deal was completed. Patrick Dorgu has been unconvincing there, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both natural right-backs deployed out of position. Academy prospect Harry Amass is an option, but lacks top-flight experience.

Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall had been identified as a strong candidate, but any approach was complicated after the Magpies sold Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali in the same window. Hall has since signed a new contract at St James’ Park, effectively closing that avenue for United.