How Man Utd managed to end up without a new left-back despite late call to rivals

Manchester United were able to address their immediate priority this summer, which was bolstering their midfield, but ultimately missed out on adding a left-back, which was also on their agenda.

The Red Devils ploughed more than £150million into their midfield with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all moving to Old Trafford.

But despite being linked with a host of names in recent months Michael Carrick was unable to improve his backline. Seeking more cover at left-back was on their radar this summer with the reliance on Luke Shaw becoming a concern.

The Englishman showed himself to be more durable last season, playing in every game, but in the years before that the former Southampton man has spent long periods out injured. He's also now into his 30s and was exposed for Ipswich's opening goal on Sunday - owning the mistake himself post-match.

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United's backline hasn't had a notable signing in two years. It is seen as the next area the club will strengthen, but that will likely have to wait until next summer. Until then Carrick could come to bemoan the failure to add more quality - not that United can be accused of failing to identify potential targets.

Lewis Hall was the most high profile left-back that the Manchester outfit were linked with. He's just enjoyed the best year of his career to date with Newcastle, but after the Magpies cashed in on a host of their leading lights, they were determined not to sell another of their top performers. Even if Newcastle had been prepared to sell, the likelihood is that United would've lacked the finances to pursue the deal.

Barcelona's Alejandro Balde is someone who was on the market. A loan deal could've been pursued and, despite a deadline day check in on the player, United opted against trying to land the Spaniard.

Jorge Sanilas at Racing Santander is highly-rated in La Liga and was reported to have a relatively modest release clause. Atletico Madrid were heavily linked with him, as were Barcelona, and ultimately United never backed up their interest with a bid.

It meant Carrick's options beyond Shaw, who will need to prove he can rediscover his top form, are teenager Harry Amass. The 19-year-old was tipped for a loan move to the Championship, but ultimately remained at the Championship. Diogo Dalot is among those who could swap from the right to the left if needed.

As United desperately sought solutions they put in a late call to Manchester City. Deals between the two have been few and far between but that didn't stop them making a shock approach for Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The Manchester Evening News have confirmed that they approached to see whether Ait-Nouri would be available. But City were only prepared consider a loan with an obligation to make the move permanent - the Red Devils didn't want to commit to signing Ait-Nouri permanently, and thus a deal for the Algeria international failed to materialise.

All of which has left United right where they started.

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