Man Utd fans all want the same player to 'save' team after Hull nightmare
Manchester United fans have all called for the same player to be signed to replace a star who struggled against Hull City.
The Red Devils kicked off the new season with a defeat against a side installed as favourites to be relegated from the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.
But they found themselves 2-0 down at half-time after centre-backs Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both converted to expose United's defensive frailties from set pieces.
Hull became the first newly-promoted team to beat United on the opening weekend of the Premier League and recorded a first victory in the top flight since 2017.
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United lacked any attacking impetus and threw on the returning Marcus Rashford at the halfway mark in a bid to get back in the game.
But they were also ran ragged at the back by the Premier League newcomers, who caused all sorts of problems for United with their wing-backs.
Plenty of United stars were not at the races but long-time left-back Luke Shaw came in for huge criticism for a shoddy display - particularly his role in the second Hull goal.
Shaw recovered from his injury nightmare to play all 38 games in the Premier League last term but the addition of European football and increased schedule this season has led to United looking for a new left-back.
Lewis Hall is the top target but a deal looks difficult, while Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jorge Salinas and Alejandro Balde have all been mentioned as alternatives.
With Shaw having a tough afternoon, United wants Balde in the building immediately.
One user on X said: "Folks unironically said Balde/Hall wouldn’t immediately displace Shaw in big 2026."
A second commented: "Look at Luke Shaw for the second goal. And these lots are saying they don't want Balde?
A third wrote: "United going to put in a €70m bid for Balde after the game because of Shaw's performance."
A fourth user stated: '"Only Balde can save United, easy upgrade over Dorgu and Shaw, only 50 million pounds @ManUtd."
A final person commented: "Luke Shaw is done! Bring me Balde, United."
Latest on Alejandro Balde at Barcelona as Man United show interest
Balde appears likely to leave the Nou Camp, with Fabrizio Romano claiming he is no longer untouchable. The Italian claims that United were offered the Spaniard by super-agent Jorge Mendes but have not yet tabled a bid.
Gerard Romero claims that Balde is on his way out and is not expected to be in the squad for Barca's first game of the season against Elche.
Barca boss Hansi Flick was asked about Balde and whether he wanted him to stay, providing an interesting response that suggests he would be open to letting him leave.
Speaking in his press conference, Flick said: "It's a difficult question because he's a player of immense quality, and it's important to know if he's confident he can compete in his position. That's what I want to see from all my players. Every day I observe what they do, their level, whether they demonstrate that they're at the level to play. Ultimately, we have to play as a team; only then will we achieve success. I need everyone to be one hundred percent."
Topics: Man Utd, Premier League
Josh Lawless