Manchester United have learned what they need to do to strengthen at full-back with a move for Alejandro Balde in the January transfer window.

Michael Carrick's tenure in charge at Old Trafford has fallen apart this term off the back of an uneven transfer window that focused heavily on revamping the midfield department and seemingly left the squad lacking elsewhere.

Despite the rousing Champions League comeback victory against Roma in midweek United are still winless in the Premier League since August and are languishing down in 17th place.

The midfield overhaul hasn't had the impact that might have been hoped and a disrupted defensive unit has also played a major part in the dreadful form.

Full-back was an area that many expected to be strengthened in the summer but now, better late than never, the club have the conditions laid out to bring in Spain international Balde to help address the issue.

Jorge Mendes gives Man Utd Balde transfer blueprint

The 23-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes, has been busy putting in the groundwork for a move away from the Camp Nou in January, with the Premier League considered the primary destination.

According to Sport in Spain, the Portuguese super agent has been in communication with United, who need help at left-back urgently thanks to the unwelcome return of Luke Shaw's fitness problems, along with an injury to Patrick Dorgu.

Carrick has opted to switch Diogo Dalot over from the right while youngster Harry Amass has barely got a look in, but Balde could now be the answer with a decision on his next move expected to be taken in December ahead of the window opening in the New Year.

There is significant competition for his services, however, as Mendes is said to have also informed Liverpool and Aston Villa of what it will take to do a deal, while Manchester City and Tottenham are interested but would require players to leave first.

Italian giants Juventus and Roma have also spoken to Mendes but are thought likely to struggle with Balde's wage requirements, while Monaco and Benfica are interested.

Araujo to Liverpool sets Balde example

A Balde loan move in January with a permanent option, potentially becoming an obligation if conditions are met, is seen as the preferred option for the player and his representatives.

Barcelona would prefer a sale worth around €40 million (£33.4m) but may be open to an initial loan as it would free up space on their wage bill, and potentially increase Balde's value ahead of a transfer in the summer.

Ronald Araujo's successful loan switch from the Camp Nou to Anfield this season is seen as a positive example to follow for Balde, who wants more first team football.

As such, it could be necessary for United to be able to promise the Spaniard game time for him to choose Old Trafford, as he and his agent want to find a club committed to him and able to provide the opportunity to regain prominence after falling out of favour at the Catalan giants., even though Hansi Flick has praised him in the past.

Speaking in 2025, the Barca boss said: “He has improved a lot,.

He’s one of the best full-backs, a fantastic player. He has more potential and he wants to learn and to get better every day.

The coast is currently clear for Balde, who has only started once this season in the 2-1 Clasico defeat by Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid, but whether Shaw and Dorgu's potential returns from injury could cloud the issue is unclear.

Equally relevant is the uncertainty around Carrick's position. If the Englishman is still in a job but at risk of the sack by the time Mendes and Balde decide on a move next month then it might rule United out on the grounds that any replacement manager has other plans for his lineup.

United face Aston Villa on Sunday ahead of the international break where Carrick's future may be decided.