Manchester United fans will no doubt demand that Michael Carrick delivers throughout this season at Old Trafford, similar to how he did in the 2025/26 campaign.

The 45-year-old only lost twice in his 17 games in the Premier League, subsequently helping the Red Devils secure Champions League football for the upcoming campaign.

However, such qualification could present a challenge to the permanent boss, as he attempts to make the club a force to be reckoned with in all competitions.

Further additions could arrive before the transfer window slams shut, but the return of one player from a temporary spell away from Old Trafford could feel like a new addition.

Why Rashford will feel like a new signing for Man Utd this season

Throughout Ruben Amorim’s failed tenure as United manager, he decided to loan out forward Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa and Spanish giants Barcelona.

Such decisions appeared to be strange at the time, with his form in LaLiga last campaign showcasing why the former Red Devils boss made the wrong call in sanctioning his departure.

The 28-year-old ended the previous campaign with 25 combined goals and assists across all competitions, subsequently helping Hansi Flick’s men secure title glory last time around.

However, despite Barca having an option to buy, they opted against landing the winger, which has seen interest form from teams in Turkey and Saudi Arabia over recent weeks.

The recent interest has seen huge rumours over his long-term future, but the player now appears to be likely to stay at Old Trafford after rejoining Carrick’s senior ranks in recent days.

Rashford himself has stated his desire to remain at his boyhood club before the end of the window, and could even start the club’s opening game of the season this weekend.

However, he will have a huge part to play in the Red Devils squad this season, with Carrick needing added depth and quality due to the increased fixture list.

How United can land a star who’s perfect for Rashford

Despite over £80m being spent during the summer window, further additions could well be made before the end of the window to help add further depth to the club’s senior ranks.

Lewis Hall has continued to be named as the Red Devils’ number one left-back target, but Newcastle United are said to be reluctant to let the England international depart this window.

As a result, other full-backs are now under consideration, which has seen Barcelona star Alejandro Balde emerge as a genuine target over recent days.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on the deal for the Spanish star, stating: “United made a call to Jorge Mendes the agent of Alejandro Balde to understand the situation of the Spanish left-back.

“Barcelona and Balde share a great relationship, Balde would only go if Barca tell him you can go, but Balde in principle would like to stay - but there was a conversation that took place.”

Other outlets in recent times have stated that the left-back would be allowed to depart the Spanish giants, but only if an offer of around £65m was presented.

Such a figure may be seen as a hefty one for United, but it could allow Carrick to land a player who can solve one of the biggest issues within his current senior ranks.

The Spaniard would likely be his first choice in such a department, with the 22-year-old able to rekindle his excellent partnership with Rashford after their time at Barca last term.

Balde managed to create an impressive tally of 1.2 chances per 90 in LaLiga last season, subsequently being able to provide the United winger with countless opportunities within attacking areas.

The aforementioned figure placed him in the top 25% of all full-backs in Europe last term, which highlights his tremendous ability to progress the ball into attacking areas.

He also managed to achieve a 92% pass completion rate in Spain’s top-flight, whilst also achieving a 59% dribble success rate - placing him above 80% of other full-backs.

However, even without the ball, Balde managed to catch the eye last season, subsequently coming out on top of 58% of his ground duels - also placing him in the top 15% of players in his position.

The Barca star’s tally of 1.7 tackles made per 90 and only being dribbled past eight times throughout 2025/26 showcases his tremendous ability in the defensive third alongside his attacking threat.

Given the player’s current reluctance to leave the Spanish giants, the United hierarchy are going to have to work tirelessly to get a deal completed before the end of the window.

He would cost a pretty penny in the process, but at 22, he would be the perfect immediate and long-term solution to Carrick’s ongoing issue at left-back.

Balde could continue his tremendous partnership with Rashford at Old Trafford upon any move and help the Red Devils mount a push for the title this campaign.