Manchester United start their Premier League season this weekend but there's still plenty of focus on the summer transfer window
LEEDS, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road on May 17, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Carlos Baleba could round out Manchester United's new-look midfield(Image: Nathan Stirk, Getty Images)
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Manchester United are back in Premier League action at Saturday lunchtime, travelling to new boys Hull City. One or more of their summer signings could start at the MKM Stadium but further additions could follow.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are both pushing for starts after arriving from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively. The pair could be joined by another new midfielder before the end of the window, though, with a move for Carlos Baleba back on the menu.
Michael Carrick is now United's permanent manager, having delivered Champions League qualification during his interim spell last season. While Baleba looks like being the next new face, he might not be the last.
We've got updates for you on another key area, as well as some words about Myles Lewis-Skelly after recent links to the Arsenal starlet. Here are our latest lines from Old Trafford.
Left-back the next priority
Once United have finalised their move for Carlos Baleba, the club are expected to turn their attention towards signing a new left-back as their fifth senior summer signing. As MEN Sport outlined on Friday, there are still a few loose ends to tie up on the Baleba deal, but focus can soon shift elsewhere.
Luke Shaw remains United's first-choice in that position, but the additional demands of Champions League football suggest the club may seek reinforcements in the short and longer-term. Lewis Hall and Jorge Salinas have both been identified as possible targets, while Alejandro Balde's name has come up in association with a United switch this week.
Unless Newcastle can be persuaded to soften their firm position on Hall, United may need to be patient regarding the former Chelsea star. If they decide to turn to other targets, one of the two Spaniards might move to the front of the queue.
Arsenal plan to keep Lewis-Skelly
RADLETT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal during the Arsenal Media Day at OMA Film Studios on August 18, 2026 in Radlett, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Lewis-Skelly looks set to stay put after speculation(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta knocked Myles Lewis-Skelly exit talk on the head, claiming the England international will "100 per cent" still be at the Emirates Stadium when the transfer window closes. The remarks appear to put an end to any hopes of an Old Trafford switch after speculation United or rivals Chelsea might pounce for the teenager.
"The players that have been raised in our system, and they feel generally that love and that connection with the club, bring something else, there's no question about that," Arsenal's manager added. "We need to look after them in a really special way because they bring value that is very difficult to find.
"That's why, when we can, we want to protect those assets as much as possible, develop them and make them extremely important for the club."