Manchester United have been given a major boost in their pursuit of one of their top targets for the January transfer window as the pressure continues to pile on Michael Carrick.

United extended their winless run to nine matches after a defeat to Chelsea on Saturday in a match which saw Lisandro Martinez sent off to leave Carrick’s side 17th and outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Martinez’s red card leaves United even more short-staffed in defence and increases the urgency for reinforcements in January, particularly at left-back with the likes of Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu still injured.

One player believed to be on United’s radar ahead of the transfer window is Alejandro Balde after the Barcelona youngster’s struggles for first team football this season.

Balde has only played 101 minutes of La Liga action and he was given the clearest sign yet that he may need to leave Barca after failing to start in the club’s 6-1 win over Alaves on Saturday despite a host of injuries in Hansi Flick’s defence.

With Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé, Eric García and Xavi Espart all absent, many expected Balde to be handed his first league start of the season but Flick opted to hand 20-year-old midfielder Brian Farinas at right-back, all but confirming that Barcelona will not stand in United’s way of signing their reported target in January.

Balde ‘lacking confidence’ as Barcelona youngster prepares for January transfer exit

Balde did come off the bench against Alaves for the final 28 minutes of action but some reports in Spain have claimed that the player will look to leave Barca in January as his relationship with Flick continues to deteriorate.

Speaking prior to the Alaves match, Flick admitted that Balde was ‘lacking confidence’ and believes the full-back is struggling to suit his style of play, lending more credit to the speculation that Barca may be open to offers for him in the window.

“I think he may currently be lacking the confidence he needs to perform at his best,” Flick said.

“He also needs to have more belief in our style of play, because we always look to attack and press high, and the full-backs play a very important role in these situations.

“Balde needs to regain his confidence so he can get back to performing at his best.”