Manchester United chase midfield boost as Baleba deal looms

Man Utd's next priority is to plug a midfield gap with Carlos Baleba as they also consider the fate of Myles Lewis‑Skelly, a move that could reshape the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Michael Carrick confirmed that Baleba will not be in the squad for Saturday's lunchtime kick‑off against Hull City, but progress is being made on a deal for the Brighton star. The Cameroonian midfielder looks set to join Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans among Manchester United's midfield options, adding depth to a unit that has been stretched.

Left‑back competition intensifies

United are expected to explore a move for a new left‑back once the Baleba deal is finalised, according to the Manchester Evening News. Luke Shaw remains the first choice, yet the extra toll of Champions League football has sparked interest in alternatives such as Alejandro Balde, who has been linked with an Old Trafford switch.

Mikel Arteta stated that Myles Lewis‑Skelly will "100 per cent" remain an Arsenal player when the transfer window shuts, drawing a line under any United or Chelsea speculation. "The players that have been raised in our system… we need to look after them in a really special way," the manager added, underscoring the club’s commitment to its own talent.

There is still more than a week to finalise deals, leaving time for plenty of movement. OUR MAN UTD News this Join Lewis Hewitt Getty Michael Latest Images Carlos Aug Mike Hewitt/Getty Images are being monitored as United aim to complete the Baleba signing and address the left‑back position.