Liverpool threaten to spoil Man United’s January plans for La Liga speedster

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Manchester United’s desire to sign Alejandro Balde is about to prove trickier given the latest developments from Spain.

A left-back signing, a capable Luke Shaw back-up, was one the Red Devils were expected to make but did not last summer.

That failure has since come back to bite them. Three games in, United have already found themselves in a tricky position, with Shaw missing the last two games through injury.

United head coach Michael Carrick has ended up reverting Patrick Dorgu to left-back, and the Dane looks exposed in the position. United may need a better option there whenever Shaw is unavailable.

The winter transfer window might be a few months away, but if the chance arises to sign a left-back, INEOS would be wise to take it.

That said, who might the 20-time English champions go for? They are unlikely to pursue Lewis Hall, who has just committed his future to Newcastle United.

Landing Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert, their other top target, mid-season might also prove tricky.

Balde in January makes sense

United may therefore be wise to revisit their interest in Balde.

Had he pushed for a Barcelona exit, giving INEOS the motivation to pursue him, the two European giants could have agreed a deal to bring him to Manchester. Instead, the Spanish speedster opted to stay at Camp Nou and fight for his place.

So far, Hansi Flick has continued to overlook him, which has convinced many that, come winter, he will have had enough and opt to leave.

While United would have been the likely destination had he chosen to leave Barcelona, Sport now suggests Liverpool have joined as a serious suitor for the left-back.

The Spanish outlet reports: “[Balde] has been mentioned in connection with Liverpool. The Reds’ Spanish manager, Andoni Iraola, would consider his signing interesting, especially if it represents a good transfer opportunity.”

Man United’s transfer party spoiled

Liverpool’s interest, if genuine, is not great news for United.

It could deny the Red Devils the free run they might otherwise have had at this transfer.

As a result, Barcelona may try to dictate terms over any potential deal. However, they cannot ask for much if the young full-back continues to warm the bench.

Overall credibility: 6/10 Why?

✅ Balde’s long-term future at Barcelona is up in the air.

⚠️ No formal transfer talks are currently under way.

⚠️ Top-tier outlets are yet to confirm the claims.

This looks like classic media noise aimed at capitalising on Balde’s situation at Camp Nou, a strategy designed to manufacture market interest and force long-term suitors, such as Man United, into making a move.