Alejandro Balde has seemingly made his mind on his Barcelona future after Hansi Flick left the defender out of his matchday squad on Sunday.The Catalan giants travelled to Elche for their La Liga opener, with Anthony Gordon enjoying a dream debut after coming off the bench for Lamine Yamal.Balde has been at the Catalan side’s academy since 2011GettyThe victory ensured Barcelona‘s title defence started strongly as they matched rivals Real Madrid in victory.However, one obvious absentee was Balde, who stayed at home with his future at the club being speculated by fans.Manchester United have made contact over a potential €40 million (£34m) deal for the 22-year-old as a cheaper alternative to Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. Barca are open to the move in order to raise funds for a new striker, while also bringing in Joao Cancelo as a replacement on the left flank.Additionally, the emergence of young defender Xavi Espart has left Balde’s place in the starting XI increasingly insecure.Not in the head spaceIn Flick’s pre-match press conference, the German manager hinted at the left-back’s potential departure while revealing the player needed to resolve his focus:He said: “We have to manage the minutes, I hope to have six players who can play 90 minutes.“I spoke with Balde this morning and told him that I think he’s not here at 100 per cent, clear your mind and then we’ll talk.He added: “He’s a player of immense quality, and it’s important to know if he’s confident he can compete in his position.“That’s what I want to see from all my players. Every day I observe what they do, their level, whether they demonstrate that they’re at the level to play.”Flick never mentioned the move but said Balde was not 100 per cent focusedEuropa Press via GettyOld Trafford dreamsMichael Carrick is keen to provide cover for Luke Shaw ahead of Man United’s return to Champions League football.After the Magpies have consistently made it clear that Hall is not for sale, they have turned their attention to Balde.Although the full-back remains under contract with Barcelona for two more years with a nominal €1 billion (£855m) release clause, the Catalan hierarchy would prefer to cash in on the youngster, who is also pushing for a summer exit.Balde previously expressed his desire to play for the Manchester-based side during a quick-fire Q&A on TikTok in 2020.When asked to name ‘a club other than Barcelona?’, the defender immediately responded with ‘United’.The left-back has made seven appearances for Spain; however, he was left out of the World Cup squad this summer.Balde continues to train with the Barca teamGettyIn the Premier League, Carrick’s side endured a disappointing start to their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City.The Red Devils are not the only club interested in signing the 22-year-old, with Aston Villa and Benfica also keeping close tabs on the situation.