The big reason Man Utd could regret signing Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde

Manchester United’s defeat to Hull City on Saturday may have exposed more than just the team’s shortcomings on the opening weekend. It could also have reinforced the need for Michael Carrick to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.

Among the positions United are reportedly considering is left-back, with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde emerging as a potential target. But while the 22-year-old possesses the explosive pace and athleticism required for modern football, his numbers raise serious questions over whether he is the right player for a club desperate to avoid another costly recruitment mistake.

The 1-0 defeat by Hull was a major reality check for United. Few would have expected the Tigers to overcome the Red Devils, yet Hull competed strongly for the points and exposed weaknesses that Carrick will need to address.

The setback may ultimately prove useful. United are still a work in progress, and their strong performances after Carrick took charge had perhaps created expectations that progress would come quicker than anticipated. Saturday’s loss served as a reminder that significant work remains.

Shaw cannot carry the burden alone

Luke Shaw had a respectable outing against Hull, but United cannot ignore the bigger picture.

At 31, and with a significant injury history, Shaw needs to be managed carefully if he is to remain an important part of Carrick’s plans. That makes finding a reliable alternative a sensible priority.

Balde has reportedly been offered to clubs across Europe by his agent, Jorge Mendes, with Manchester United among the sides being courted.

Speculation surrounding the Barcelona defender intensified after he was left out of the squad for the club’s 5-0 victory over Elche on Sunday. While his absence could have been for a number of reasons, it has inevitably fuelled suggestions that Barcelona are open to his departure.

However, United would need to look beyond Balde’s reputation and impressive physical attributes before committing significant money to the deal.

Pace is not the whole package

There is little doubt about Balde’s biggest strength. The Spaniard is exceptionally quick and capable of powering up and down the left flank, making him difficult for defenders to contain when he gets into space.

His passing figures are also impressive in certain areas. He recorded a 90.24% pass-completion rate in the final third of Champions League matches last season, while his overall accuracy reached 93.87% in the Copa del Rey.

The bigger concern is what happens once he reaches the attacking third.

Balde managed just eight successful crosses last season compared with 28 unsuccessful attempts. For a full-back expected to provide width and create opportunities, that is a worrying return.

His creativity statistics are even less convincing. He registered only two successful through balls, while 79 take-ons produced just 41 successes. More concerningly, none of those successful take-ons resulted in a chance being created.

His ball-carrying numbers tell a similarly troubling story. Balde completed 304 carries during the campaign but produced only one assist.

Barcelona’s selection raises questions

Perhaps the biggest warning sign for United is that Hansi Flick was sometimes willing to deploy Joao Cancelo, a natural right-back, ahead of Balde on the left.

That decision does not necessarily mean Balde lacks quality, but it should encourage United to examine his suitability carefully before spending heavily on him.

His attacking output is also reflected in his shooting figures. He managed only three shots on target from 12 attempts throughout the campaign, suggesting that scoring goals is not currently a significant part of his game.

Defensively, there are positives. Balde won 30 of his 48 tackles, while his LaLiga tackle success rate stood at 65.71%. He also made 37 clearances.

Yet those numbers alone may not justify a major investment.

United cannot afford another expensive mistake

Balde’s market value is reportedly around €50 million, while his Barcelona contract runs until June 2028. That leaves the Catalan club in a strong negotiating position and means United are unlikely to secure him cheaply.

The timing makes the situation even more complicated. United have left some squad-building decisions until late in the transfer window, potentially limiting their options and increasing the pressure to get deals done quickly.

Carrick certainly needs competition for Shaw. But United must ensure that urgency does not become desperation.

Balde has the speed, youth and potential to become an excellent left-back. What remains questionable is whether his current end product justifies the price United may have to pay.

For a club trying to rebuild intelligently, signing another player whose weaknesses become apparent only after a major investment could prove an expensive lesson.

And that is why Manchester United may come to regret making Alejandro Balde their answer at left-back.