Manchester United<\/a>\u2019s former transfer target Alejandro Balde<\/a> is yet to play a minute for Barcelona this season after the Red Devils attempted to sign him on loan during the summer window.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Manchester Evening News<\/a> reports that Hansi Flick<\/a> has left the 22-year-old on the bench in every competition, with Joao Cancelo preferred at left-back<\/a> in Barcelona\u2019s latest Champions League fixture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n United\u2019s summer approach for Balde came amid concerns about Michael Carrick\u2019s options on the left side of his defence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Luke Shaw<\/a> is identified as the only senior specialist left-back currently at Carrick\u2019s disposal. If the England international is unavailable, Patrick Dorgu is the most natural replacement, but Carrick has mostly deployed him as a winger amid concerns over his defensive stability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n TPP covered United\u2019s decision over a potential January move for a new left-back<\/a> earlier this week, underlining that the position remains an active area of interest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Shaw subsequently missed training before United\u2019s Champions League meeting with Sabah. Carrick indicated that the defender had been given an additional recovery day, rather than suffering an ongoing problem.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Barcelona began their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 victory over Feyenoord, but Balde remained an unused substitute throughout the match.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Flick instead selected former Manchester City defender Cancelo at left-back.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Spain defender has been named among Barcelona\u2019s substitutes for every game in all competitions this season. Flick has not introduced him at any stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Barcelona head coach has also made clear that he expects greater commitment from Balde, who must now force his way back into the starting side.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Balde\u2019s current situation developed before the transfer window closed. Flick omitted him from the matchday squad for Barcelona\u2019s opening La Liga<\/a> victory over Elche after speaking directly with the player.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Flick said: \u201cNo, I\u2019m not asking him to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The German explained: \u201cThis morning I felt there was something wrong. I spoke to him and said: \u2018At this moment, I have this feeling, and I think it\u2019s best for you to clear your mind, sort out your thoughts, and then we\u2019ll talk again tomorrow.’\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Flick added that Balde agreed with the decision because he had several matters occupying his thoughts. The left-back was subsequently reintegrated into the squad, although his return to the bench has not yet led to competitive minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n At 22, Balde still has time to change his standing under Flick. However, the repeated use of alternative options at left-back shows that he faces a significant battle for selection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\nUnited\u2019s search for left-back cover<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Flick continues to overlook Balde<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Balde\u2019s difficult start to the campaign<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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