Michael Carrick handed 'huge' Man United transfer boost

Michael Carrick has aired his frustrations to the Man United board as they ramp up their transfer plans for the end of the window, sources have told Football Insider.

The Red Devils boss spoke publicly last week about his desire to bring in more signings ahead of the 1 September deadline.

Carrick admitted that United "need more" players through the door, and so they must "keep pushing" for new additions to his squad.

They have made just three signings so far this summer, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow arriving at Old Trafford.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Carrick's fears of falling behind other top clubs will be allayed somewhat if United get Carlos Baleba's signature over the line soon.

They are set to remain in the market for a new left-back if Baleba joins, but a move for Lewis Hall seems unlikely as it stands.

Michael Carrick has outlined his frustrations to Man United board as deadline looms

Carrick feels that United need to add more depth to his squad as they return to the Champions League for this season.

Their need for more signings may well be amplified by the respective outcomes of their first two Premier League games of the campaign against Hull and Ipswich.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Michael Carrick did come out last week to say that more signings were needed and he wanted the club to be busy in the final couple of weeks of the window.

"Obviously they've gone now and set up this deal for Baleba, so that'll be a huge boost for Carrick as well. The midfield was the priority area of the team that United's recruitment team wanted to strengthen."

Carrick has concerns about his squad's fitness after pre-season results

Carrick has expressed his frustrations at United's lack of business before the final 10 days of the window, and that is not the only concern of his right now.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that the Man United manager is worried about the fitness of his key players after their lack of pre-season outings.

He was forced to utilise many youth stars in friendlies, as the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Mateus Cunha, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford returned to training late following injury concerns and the World Cup.

United travel to Hull on Saturday aiming to avoid a major upset that could compound his fears of a slow start to the season.