Manchester United remain interested in Barcelona outcast – report

Manchester United remain interested in Barcelona outcast – report The new season has not been kind to Alejandro Balde, who has quickly slumped from a regular starter to a backup option under Hansi Flick. Since pre-season, the manager has made it clear that he needs to see more from Balde to hand him a regular role in the dynamics. To further complicate his situation, Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo have done well in their chances, leaving Balde with no chance. As a result of the manager’s renewed pecking order, the La Masia graduate’s minutes this season have been extremely limited. He is motivated to earn Flick’s trust once more but does not seem to have any opening to latch on to. A potential exit? Balde may choose to leave. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Throughout the summer, Balde was continually linked with a move to Manchester United and eventually opted to stay in Barcelona and win a spot. As reported by Mundo Deportivo , the Premier League giants are still very interested in Balde in the upcoming transfer windows. The player, who has stuck on to his plan of staying at the club so far, could re-evaluate his stance in January and the door to a departure is thus not closed. A small glimmer of hope With Cancelo and Espart ahead of him on Flick’s pecking order, there is not much hope for Balde to earn a regular role at left-back under Flick this season. Cancelo has impressed at right-back for Portugal. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) The Portuguese defender’s strong performances at right-back in the recent international break, however, provide a mild glimmer of hope to Balde, as it may open up a new possibility in Flick’s mind. With Jules Kounde out of form and Eric Garcia being a valuable central defensive option, the manager could turn to Cancelo to provide a solution at right-back in the coming games, especially given his recent performances. In such a situation, Balde would move up to a second-choice backup and could earn more minutes as a rotational option. His situation over the next two months, needless to say, will decide if he stays at the club or leaves in January.