Manchester United Are Looking To Sign A Young Left-Back In The Upcoming Summer Transfer Window
Manchester United Are Looking To Sign A Young Left-Back In The Upcoming Summer Transfer Window
Manchester United are reportedly seeking to acquire a young left-back during the upcoming summer transfer window. Currently, the Red Devils have four senior left-backs on their roster, but both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are currently sidelined due to injuries, while Alvaro Fernandez and Brandon Williams are out on loan.
It’s understood that neither Fernandez nor Williams are expected to have a future at the club beyond this season. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the long-term fitness of both Shaw and Malacia.
Shaw has been limited to just 15 appearances in all competitions this season, with the England international set to miss the majority of the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign due to a muscular problem. The former Southampton player was previously sidelined between August and November due to injury, and experienced further setbacks at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. Additionally, he aggravated a muscular issue during a Premier League match against Luton Town last month.
Meanwhile, Malacia has yet to make an appearance this season due to a knee injury that has required two separate occasions of treatment.
The Dutch international featured in 39 matches for the Red Devils last season following his transfer from Feyenoord. However, he has not been included in a matchday squad during the 2023-24 campaign. Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has admitted that Malacia is unlikely to feature for the remainder of the season.
“I think it will be challenging for him (Malacia) to be fit this season. He is putting up a fight, but he has not yet returned to the team, and the recovery process has encountered setbacks,” Ten Hag informed reporters.
“He is progressing very slowly, and with the season drawing to a close, it seems unlikely that he will be available.”
Currently, Victor Lindelof is being deployed as a left-back, with the Sweden international expected to continue in that
role for the remainder of the campaign.
However, the potential return of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from injury, which could happen against Liverpool in the FA Cup next weekend, might create the opportunity for Diogo Dalot to be deployed as a left-back.
Manchester United had Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the first half of the season. However, he was recalled by his parent club after Ten Hag was informed of Malacia’s expected return in January.
According to reports from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 20-time English champions are planning to pursue a new left-back during the summer transfer window, with a shortlist set to be finalized soon.
Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford, although Manchester United are expected to face competition for the Spaniard from both Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Real Madrid reportedly have the option to re-sign Gutierrez for just €8m (£6.8m) during the upcoming summer transfer window, while his release clause for other clubs is believed to be €35m (£29.8m).
