Zirkzee loan, Balde at £34m and three more deals United could seal before deadline

Manchester United are racing against the clock on deadline day, with manager Michael Carrick still seeking to address a left-back shortage and offload fringe players before the transfer window closes at 11pm.

Carrick has already reshaped United’s midfield this summer, bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to compete alongside Kobbie Mainoo. But the club’s failure to land a recognised left-back remains the most pressing unresolved issue, after both Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly became unavailable. With Patrick Dorgu deployed further forward under Carrick, Luke Shaw currently has little competition for his position.

Joshua Zirkzee

The Dutch forward has struggled to hold down a regular starting place since joining from Bologna in 2024, and the subsequent arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have pushed him further down the pecking order. A proposed move to Fiorentina collapsed on Monday, but Juventus remain interested in Zirkzee, who impressed during his earlier spell in Serie A. United are hoping to finalise a loan deal that includes either an option or obligation to buy.

Alejandro Balde

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde emerged as a target after Newcastle ruled out selling Hall. The Spain international has yet to feature for Barcelona this season, with Hansi Flick able to call upon Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart at left-back. United have explored a deal but are reluctant to meet Barcelona’s valuation of around £34m. With only hours remaining, either club’s position could shift as the deadline approaches.

Harry Amass

Despite their need for left-back cover, United remain open to offers for academy prospect Harry Amass, suggesting the club may prefer to bring in an established option rather than rely on the youngster for first-team minutes this season.

With the window closing imminently, Carrick’s side face a tight turnaround to resolve their outstanding business — whether that means securing a new arrival at left-back, moving Zirkzee on loan, or arranging temporary exits for other fringe members of the squad.