Manchester United’s former transfer target Alejandro Balde is still yet to feature for Barcelona this season after the Red Devils tried to bring him in on loan during the summer transfer window.

A report by the Manchester Evening News states that Hansi Flick has kept the 22-year-old on the bench in every competition so far, with Joao Cancelo preferred at left-back in Barcelona’s most recent Champions League outing.

United’s move for Balde in the summer came because of concerns over Michael Carrick’s options on the left side of his defence.

Luke Shaw is regarded as the only senior specialist left-back currently available to Carrick. If the England international cannot play, Patrick Dorgu is the most natural alternative, but Carrick has largely used him as a winger because of doubts over his defensive reliability.

The Peoples Person reported earlier this week on United’s stance regarding a possible January move for a new left-back, stressing that the position remains an active area of interest.

Shaw then missed training ahead of United’s Champions League clash with Sabah. Carrick said the defender had been given an extra recovery day rather than dealing with a continuing issue.

Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Feyenoord, but Balde stayed on the bench for the entire match and did not come on.

Instead, Flick opted to use former Manchester City defender Cancelo at left-back.

The Spain defender has been included among Barcelona’s substitutes in every match across all competitions this season. Flick has still not sent him on at any point.

The Barcelona manager has also made it clear that he wants more commitment from Balde, who now has to earn his way back into the starting XI.

Balde’s present situation had already taken shape before the transfer window shut. Flick left him out of the matchday squad for Barcelona’s opening La Liga win over Elche after holding a direct conversation with the player.

Flick said: “No, I’m not asking him to leave.”

The German added: “This morning I felt there was something wrong. I spoke to him and said: ‘At this moment, I have this feeling, and I think it’s best for you to clear your mind, sort out your thoughts, and then we’ll talk again tomorrow.’”

Flick also said that Balde accepted the decision because he had several things on his mind. The left-back was later brought back into the squad, but his place on the bench has still not turned into competitive action.

At 22, Balde still has time to improve his standing under Flick. But the repeated selection of other options at left-back underlines that he faces a major fight to win back his place.

United’s attempt in the summer did not lead to an agreement, but Balde’s continued lack of involvement is likely to keep his situation under focus while Carrick’s squad remains short of natural cover for Shaw.

Balde has not played for Barcelona this season.

United tried to sign him on loan during the summer.

Flick picked Cancelo at left-back against Feyenoord.

United are still short of specialist cover for Shaw.