Manchester United are nearing an agreement with Brighton to sign Carlos Baleba, but Michael Carrick doesn't want to stop there when it comes to their recruitment
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on August 20, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has already welcomed four new signings (Image: Charlotte Tattersall - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has suggested that Manchester United will go after a left-back once they wrap up their move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba. United are in advanced talks with Brighton, having made an initial bid of £60million plus £5m in add-ons.
Baleba, 22, is set to become the Red Devils' third midfield signing of the summer, completing their rebuild in the engine room. A left-back is next on United's list of priorities, with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde emerging as a target on Thursday.
Asked in a press conference if left-back was an area which United could improve, Carrick replied: "I just think we're looking to strengthen the squad. We're certainly working towards that, making the most of the situation that we have and trying to improve things and trying to move forward.
"You know, I said the same thing to you last time. So, yeah, certainly trying to make the most of the opportunities to finish the window stronger than we went into it. And I think we're a good way to doing that, so far."
Carrick was speaking ahead of his side's Premier League opener away to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday. Even if United agree a deal with Brighton before the deadline for registering new signings, Baleba won't be available due to injury.
One man who is likely to feature is Benjamin Sesko, who Carrick mentioned as part of a four-man injury update. Striker Sesko missed the entirety of pre-season with a shin problem but returned to full training this week alongside goalkeeper Karl Darlow and defender Matthijs de Ligt, although Mason Mount needs more time in the treatment room.
"Yeah, Karl's trained this week. He's back training, so he's in good shape," Carrick began. "Matt's obviously been out for a long period of time, but he's training and great to have him back. Well, he won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction.
Alejandro Balde left-back of Barcelona and Spain during the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou on August 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Alejandro Balde of Barcelona has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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"So that's really a good bonus for us, at this stage to have him back. Ben's back training. So that's again another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.
"And then managing Mason a little bit, but he's very close, so it's touch and go for the weekend really, if not, going into next week ... He's picked up a little bit of a knock. There's no drama. It's maybe been a week or so, 10 days or whatever it's been. So it's nothing major."