Man Utd discuss “one of the best LWs in Europe”

There was a time when Manchester United were full of options on the left side, although heading into this summer, that door seems to be an area that Michael Carrick and his team-mates need to address immediately.

Last summer, the ruthless Ruben Amorim oversaw the exits of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, none of whom seemed suited to the Portuguese's 3-4-2-1 formation.

After returning to a more orthodox system under Carrick, the lack of options on the left is now a pressing issue, it remains to be seen whether or not Patrick Dorgu's future lies on the left, while Matheus Cunha is not a true winger by trade.

With Bruno Fernandes now the front-runner in Cunha's preferred number ten role, the Brazilian has found a home in the side instead, although that starting role could be at risk if key signings are made this summer.

Man Utd are opening talks to sign the left-wing sensation, who is worth an estimated £87m

The priority, first and foremost, may be to ensure that the sale is secured for the aforementioned Rashford, the Englishman's hopes of joining Barcelona on a permanent deal having been hit by Anthony Gordon's Camp Nou switch.

There had been talk that the 28-year-old academy graduate could be reunited with Carrick on a permanent basis, although after an 18-month loan spell, that seems unlikely.

Rashford, before Amorim's release at the end of 2024, has long been United's main man on the left, there is still a 'void' to be filled this summer.

However, as reported by TEAMtalk, INEOS may soon want to replace him, with a report revealing that the Red Devils are among the clubs 'in talks' over a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola.

According to the report, both Arsenal and Liverpool are at the front of the queue, while Chelsea and Manchester City are also involved in their talks, amid the 23-year-old's desire to leave the Parc des Princes this summer.

The Frenchman – who is reportedly worth around £87m – is said to be looking for a new challenge amid frustration at his reduced starting role under Luis Enrique, with his representatives actively working on an escape strategy.

Why the signing of Barcola could spell bad news for Cunha

As noted above, Cunha is not a natural winger by trade, although he has at least enjoyed a promising first season at Old Trafford, scoring ten league goals in all following his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A brilliant goalscorer but also a good scorer, at least the winner at the Emirates in their 3-2 win over Arsenal back in January.

The early signs are good, although there is still that nagging issue about him being a long-term solution on the left, as he often drifts inside to leave United starved of width under Carrick.

Equally, his tally of two assists in the top flight did not go well, with one of those coming from the right when he caught Dorgu in the Manchester derby.

Barcola, arguably “one of the best left-backs in Europe” in the opinion of commentator and Como scout Ben Mattinson, could represent a real threat, as the France international has been sparkling in recent seasons in Paris.

Although he is the fourth man behind an attacking trio, Barcola's talent has been evident in his playing time, making several appearances off the bench in last month's Champions League final.

His combination of lightning speed and silky dribbling ability made the former Lyon star difficult to contain, as he also had a dramatic, albeit fruitless, run in last year's European game against Inter.

Even in a difficult campaign personally, Barcola still trails Cunha by 11 goals in the French champions' league, having previously reached double figures in both goals and assists in 2024/25 in Ligue 1.

He contributed just one assist in 2025/26, although that came despite creating 11 'big chances' and 1.3 key passes per game, highlighting just what an outsider he is.

In Cunha's case, by contrast, the 27-year-old has only created four 'big chances' and received just 1.1 key passes per game, with most of his work coming through some magic tricks, rather than actually supplying his teammates with goods.

That doesn't mean the £62.5m arrival won't be important next season in Manchester, but bringing Barcola into the fold would spell bad news for his hopes of remaining a consistent starter going forward.

Cunha has been seen as a perfect fit for one of the two number ten roles in Amorim's system, however the question remains as to where exactly his future lies under Carrick's regime.