‘Taste of their own medicine’ – Man Utd fans convinced history will repeat itself if club sign Balde from Barcelona

MANCHESTER UNITED fans are excited by the prospect of getting one back on Barcelona as they are linked to a loan swoop for Alejandro Balde. The Red Devils are in the market for a left back this season, and are currently eyeing a number of options. Manchester United are weighing up a loan move for Barcelona star Alejandro Balde Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona before being sent back Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Luke Shaw needs more support in the position, with the prospect of European competition surely requiring room for rotation in the position. One name that has recently emerged is that of Barca’s academy star Balde. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! While his expected fee of around $45million, as reported by the Athletic, is not something United are looking to spend, there is interest in a one-year loan deal. The 22-year-old was left out of the squad for their LaLiga opener by Hansi Flick, who said: “I spoke with Balde and told him that, in my opinion, he is not 100 per cent ready. That he should sort out his thoughts, and then we will discuss it.” Marca report that though La Blaugrana would prefer a permanent move, the late stage of the transfer window could mean they would consider a loan. The prospect of taking one of the Catalan side’s players on loan has stirred up frustrations in the United fanbase over the Spaniards’ handling of Marcus Rashford‘s loan last season. The England World Cup star joined the giants on a one-year loan deal with a £26million option to buy, which was snubbed in favour of a £70m move for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Now United fans have suggested jumping at a Balde loan deal to even the score with Barcelona. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Rashford’s buy option went un-triggered, with Barcelona moving for Anthony Gordon instead Credit: Shutterstock Editorial One fan wrote: “Take Balde on loan, use him for a season, and send him right back to Barcelona. Taste of their own Rashford medicine.” Another suggested: “IF United are going to go with Balde, it’s time to play Barcelona at their own game. Loan with option to buy. Give them a bit of the Rashford loan treatment.” The Spanish international is not the only LaLiga target that United are monitoring at left back. Racing Santander wonderkid Jorge Salinas is another prospect, who is available at a cut price thanks to his €16m release clause. Atletico Madrid are also understood to be in for the 19-year-old, who could prove a brilliant option for the future if either club pulls the trigger. Either a cheap deal or a loan agreement could leave the door open for the club to approach Lewis Hall next season. Michael Carrick and Co are, as it stands, unwilling to meet the considerable price it would take to pry Hall away from Newcastle, with Matthias Jaissle saying on Sunday that there was “no chance” he signs for United this window. But a loan deal could bring in the required depth while allowing a swoop for Hall on a permanent deal to make financial sense next year. That particular course of action really would mimic Barcelona’s conduct, replacing their returning loanee with a Newcastle star on a big-money deal. United could return for Lewis Hall next season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Comment now