Published Aug 23, 2026, 6:40 AM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
 

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
 

Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

Michael Carrick’s side were beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium, with both goals arriving during a dreadful first half for the visitors.

Semi Ajayi opened the scoring after 17 minutes when United failed to deal with a set piece.

Summer signing Nobel Mendy then powered home a header in the 38th minute to give Hull a lead they never looked likely to surrender.

United had arrived with renewed optimism after finishing last season strongly under Carrick, but they were second best physically and struggled to handle Hull’s direct approach.

The numbers were particularly alarming. United lost a huge 63 per cent of their duels and two thirds of their aerial battles before the interval, according to Sky Sports.

Carrick introduced Marcus Rashford at halftime, replacing Patrick Dorgu as United chased the game. It was Rashford’s first competitive appearance for the club in 618 days following his loan spell with Barcelona.

However, the change made little difference.

Bryan Mbeumo forced a late save from Konstantinos Tzolakis, but Hull protected their clean sheet without facing a sustained spell of pressure.

The result was United’s first ever opening day league defeat against a newly promoted team, and it also increased calls for defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes, with Carrick’s side lacking control and authority across the back line.

United could now attempt to answer those calls with an ambitious move for Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde.

Man United in talks with Jorge Mendes over Alejandro Balde

Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari reports that the chances of Balde leaving the Spanish champions are increasing.

United are said to be holding discussions through his representative, Jorge Mendes, while both the player and Barcelona are now willing to examine possible destinations.

Earlier reports suggested Balde, who Xavi once called 'spectacular', wanted to remain with his boyhood club unless Barcelona made it clear that he could leave.

The situation has changed following the permanent return of João Cancelo. The Portuguese international has signed until 2029 and is expected to compete for the left-back position under Hansi Flick, after he terminated his Al Hilal contract.

Balde would give United pace, width and genuine ball-carrying ability on the left.

He came through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and is comfortable receiving possession under pressure, making him a natural fit for a team trying to build from the back.

The 22-year-old is also capable of recovering quickly when possession is lost, although his arrival would not solve every problem exposed at Hull.

United still looked vulnerable against crosses and set pieces, areas where a dominant centre back may be more urgently required. Balde is valued at around £43m, as per Transfermarkt, with his deal expiring in two years.

Barcelona are in a strong negotiating position, but their expensive summer business could make a major offer difficult to reject.

Luke Shaw remains an experienced option and Dorgu still has development potential, yet Balde would offer Carrick a younger player with Champions League and title-winning experience.

After the humiliation at Hull, United need a response, and bringing Balde to Old Trafford would be an eye-catching start.