Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday afternoon has highlighted the work that still needs to be done within the transfer market.
Michael Carrick’s men were unable to break down the Tigers at MKM Stadium, with none of last summer’s big-money additions able to get on the scoresheet.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans both started their first games for the Red Devils and struggled to live with the pace and intensity of the opposition’s midfield.
However, one other area of the squad is still in desperate need of reinforcements, but with the deadline edging ever closer, INEOS must work quickly to land their desired targets.
Man United’s display against Hull highlights why a left-back is needed
After seemingly completing the overhaul of the club’s midfield department, other areas of the squad are now the focus of potential improvement before the end of the window.
The left-back department has been one under the microscope in recent weeks, amid concerns over Luke Shaw’s long-term suitability to the role in Carrick’s system.
The Englishman featured for the entirety of Saturday’s defeat to Hull, with his performance showcasing why the hierarchy desperately need to get their chequebook out once again.
The 31-year-old failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted during the defeat, whilst only picking out a teammate with 43% of the seven crosses he attempted.
|
Luke Shaw – stats against Hull City |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Touches |
89 |
|
Pass accuracy |
80% |
|
Dribbles completed |
0 |
|
Crosses completed |
43% |
|
Tackles made |
1 |
|
Duels won |
25% |
|
Dribbled past |
1x |
Such numbers showcase his struggles with the ball in forward areas, which no doubt contributed to United being unable to break down the newly-promoted outfit.
Even without the ball, Shaw struggled to cope with the intensity of the Tigers, subsequently only coming out on top of 25% of his ground duels and was dribbled past once.
Carrick no doubt has ambitions of taking the Red Devils closer to their former glory, but if he is to do so, he simply needs added backing from the hierarchy before the end of the window.
How Man United can land a bigger talent than Balde
In an attempt to bolster the left-back department, a whole host of players have been touted with a possible move to Old Trafford over the last few weeks.
Newcastle United man Lewis Hall and Barcelona star Alejandro Balde have been touted as two other targets, but deals could be tricky for both of the aforementioned talents.
The former of the pair has been known to be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but his current employers are reluctant to sell, whilst the latter would prefer to stay at the Spanish giants.
As a result, other options have been considered in recent days, which has seen Fulham star Antonee Robinson emerge as another possible target.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that the Red Devils have already carried out scouting work on the American and are said to be huge admirers of his quality.
The report also states that such a position has become a priority position for Carrick’s men and the 29-year-old could be a viable option before the end of the window.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Robinson could cost before the transfer deadline, but his stats from last season showcase his quality at both ends of the pitch.
Many of his figures were better than those produced by fellow target Balde, further highlighting why the American would be an excellent addition for the Red Devils.
Robinson managed to create an impressive tally of 1.3 chances created and 8.8 line-breaking passes completed per 90 – subsequently highlighting his tremendous ability with the ball at his feet.
His subsequent figures were better than those produced by the Spaniard, whilst also placing him above 85% of other left-backs across Europe’s top-five leagues.
The Fulham star’s marauding nature was further evident in his 57% dribble success rate – also bettering Balde in such an area throughout 2025/26.
Even without the ball, Robinson managed to catch the eye, subsequently making 2.9 tackles and 5.9 ball recoveries per 90 – putting him in the top 8% of full-backs.
Such numbers undoubtedly showcase his all-round quality at the top level and back up Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley claim that he is “one of the best left-backs in the world“.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the full-back will cost, but there’s little denying he’s a player who will massively improve the options at Carrick’s disposal.
He and Balde continue to be strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, but there’s no denying there is an obvious choice as to who should be the club’s main target.
