FootballTransfers runs through the latest Manchester United transfer news on 3 November, including fresh updates on Unai Emery and Alejandro Balde.

Man Utd receive glowing Emery endorsement

Unai Emery has been labelled as “one of the best coaches in Europe” amid speculation linking the Aston Villa boss with the Man Utd job.

Various publications understand the Spaniard is admired by the United hierarchy as pressure continues to mount on head coach Michael Carrick.

Questions remain over Carrick’s future as United boss after presiding over a poor run of form which has yielded only two wins from 13 games this season.

And now the Red Devils have been told managerial target Emery is one of the best in the business by Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.

As Barcelona prepare to entertain Villa in the Champions League tonight, Flick said: “Emery is one of the best coaches in Europe.

“He has a clear idea of how to play in offence and defence, and I appreciate a lot of what I see.

“He is very successful. In the way his team plays, you can see a clear structure, and in offence, they have different patterns. For me, it is amazing to see his team.

“The start [to the season] was not easy, but they came back. You can see the confidence they have on the ball, how they play out, and (Nicolas) Jackson is at an unbelievable level.

“For us, it will be a tough game against a good team and, as well, a great coach. It is the Champions League, and every game is special. Every opponent in the Champions League has quality as well.”

Wilcox highlighted Martin as potential future manager

Under-fire technical director Jason Wilcox highlighted Russell Martin as a potential future manager of United in 2024, according to The Athletic.

Wilcox reportedly sang Martin’s praises as United officials contemplated sacking Erik ten Hag in the lead up to the 2024-25 season.

The Athletic understands Wilcox felt Martin lacked experience to replace Ten Hag that summer but was one to keep an eye on in the future.

Wilcox and Martin had worked together at Southampton, who the latter guided to promotion to the Premier League in 2024-25.

However, Martin’s stock has fallen significantly since he was dismissed by the Saints in December 2024 following a run of one win in 16 matches.

The 40-year-old was sacked after just 17 games in charge of Rangers between June and October 2025, winning only five matches at the helm.

And Martin is under pressure in his latest managerial role at Leicester City, who have won just seven of their 17 games under his stewardship.

Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada are under huge pressure after presiding over a quiet summer transfer window which saw United fail to sign a left-back and a striker.

Sesko, Mbeumo, Cunha and Santos signings slammed

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has criticised United over the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Andrey Santos.

The 20-time league champions aimed to bolster their attack with the signings of Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha for a combined €225.7million (£118.1m) last summer.

And United hoped to strengthen their midfield with the addition of Santos from Chelsea for €56.3m (£46.9m) in July.

However, all four players have struggled this season, with former Arsenal midfielder Merson arguing none of them are good enough for United.

Writing in his Sky Sports column, Merson said: “There's no quick fix. They got it all wrong upstairs (United’s recruitment team).

“The first window, they went for the forward line but it wasn't good enough. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, they're nice players but they're not 20-25 goal-a-season players.

“The midfield they bought - I'd love to see what they saw paying [€56m] for Andre Santos. Tell me what you saw that I didn't when I was watching him every week at Chelsea.”

Red Devils told Balde is reconsidering Barcelona exit

United have been told reported target Alejandro Balde is no longer “reluctant” to leave Barcelona in January.

The Red Devils continue to be loosely linked with Balde, who has found himself on the periphery at Barcelona this season.

Spain international Balde is yet to make a start for the La Liga giants this term, clocking up just 116 minutes of football so far.

The Athletic understands United pursued a loan deal for Balde in the summer but Barcelona were only interested in a permanent sale.

Various publications claimed the 23-year-old academy graduate wanted to stay and fight for his place at Camp Nou as well.

However, transfer reporter Matteo Moretto claims Balde is now contemplating a January exit given his current struggles at Barcelona.

In quotes carried by SPORT, Moretto said: “[Balde] is beginning to be much more open to considering an exit. The same goes for his camp, who no longer seem so reluctant to explore a change of scenery.”