United submit €40m bid for Barcelona’s “spectacular” 22-yo wing wizard – report

Manchester United have charged into the race for FC Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde in an explosive twist, according to a new report from Spain.

Full-back or winger?

The Red Devils are prioritising a new option on the left-hand side, be it a left-back or left-winger, after the departure of Ruben Amorim.

INEOS sent shockwaves across Old Trafford after deciding to bring an end to the Portuguese coach’s tumultuous tenure last month – with Michael Carrick arriving as caretaker in his place.

The 44-year-old Englishman immediately transitioned the side back to a 4-2-3-1 system, leaving behind the ill-equipped 3-4-2-1 Amorim had steadfastly sought to implement.

United are expected to maintain this set-up regardless of who is the head coach next season, with the search for Amorim’s long-term successor to be concluded over the summer. This reignites the need for more reinforcements on the left, however.

Patrick Dorgu has been reinvented in a more advanced role under Carrick, with only injury intervening to slow down his impressive form after back-to-back goals against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Where United envision the 21-year-old Dane playing in the long-term – be it at full-back or on the wing – will dictate what position is targeted this summer.

And if the latest report from Fichajes is to be believed, Dorgu should get used to his new berth further forward.

An offer for Balde

The Spanish outlet reveals United have “entered the race” for the Barcelona left-back, whose outstanding speed and technical ability mean his best work often comes in the opposition half.

A bid worth around €40 million is “already on the table” in an effort to prise the 22-year-old Spain international away.

However, Barcelona are understood to believe a larger fee can be demanded in negotiations, though there is acceptance that the “offer is attractive” as they solidify their summer plans.

The Blaugrana are facing financial difficulties ahead of an important transfer window in Catalonia. In fact, the club are uncertain whether to meet the €30m buy-clause in Marcus Rashford’s loan deal from United.

This makes the prosect of an unexpected cash injection from the Old Trafford war chest a difficult one to turn down at the Camp Nou.

Balde is a flying full-back who operates best on the overlap. He would provide a perfect complement to the more defensive Luke Shaw, as well as the width required if an inverted player like Matheus Cunha is playing on the left, rather than Dorgu.

A €40m (£35m) fee is a reasonable one for a target with Balde’s experience at the highest level of club and international football.

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