Manchester United‘s scouts are eyeing on former Chelsea left-back Marco Alonso after running short of players for that position. Luke Shaw takes up an injury during his run in Euro 2024 and Tyrell Malacia’s fitness troubles have made him miss the pre-season tour.
Erik ten Hag’s men will take on Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool while in the United States this summer before they return to England to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10.
The Red Devils are in the market for a left-back. It has been established for a few months now that ten Hag is keen to bolster his options on the left side of backline after enduring a real horror season in that department.
Man Utd impressed by Alonso’s spell at Stamford Bridge
Alonso, 33, made 154 Premier League appearances for The Blues between 2016 and 2022. He won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Super Cup with Chelsea. The defender also finished as runner-up in the FA Cup and League Cup a further four and two times respectively in a hugely successful spell with The Blues.
The Spaniard is currently a free agent after seeing his contract at Barcelona expire. His age of 33 raises doubts about Man Utd’s willingness to recruit him. They are said to be keen on adding a youngster, though ten Hag has previously shown that he is not averse to adding experience if and when he sees fit.
In 2022, they signed Casemiro for a whopping €70 million despite his being on the wrong side of 30. Given that Man Utd have already spent north of €100m on just two players this summer, with more reinforcements desired and expected, Alonso could prove to be a bargain short-term solution.
The Red Devils’ current situation is heating up
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia spent most of the bygone campaign on the treatment table. To alleviate the situation Man Utd signed Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham last summer. They sent him back in January when Shaw returned only for the England international to again suffer a setback.
As a result, and with Malacia still struggling to fit and having been omitted for the tour to the US. Man Utd are scrambling to add another body at left-back, though their top priority remains signing a defensive midfielder for now.
Malacia has had two knee surgeries, hasn’t featured for the Red Devils for 14 months. It’s not clear when he will return.
We understand that the Red Devils’ number one left-back target is Bournemouth youngster Milos Kerkez. However, the Cherries are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep him, so Man Utd are ready to get creative, it seems.
Another left-back on United’s radar is Feyenoord’s David Hancko, who can also play at centre-back. His agent said in January that the Eredivisie club know that Hancko “will be sold”, confirming interest from both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
Old Trafford getting ready for the new season 24/25
Manchester United’s summer transfer window has kicked off with the acquisition of two promising young talents: Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
Zirkzee, a Dutch striker with a keen eye for goal, arrives from Bologna with a burgeoning reputation. He will be a welcome addition to the Red Devils’ attacking arsenal.
Meanwhile, Yoro, a French defender renowned for his composure and ball-playing abilities. He joins from Lille as a potential long-term solution at center-back. His calmness under pressure and distribution skills will be crucial in building attacks from the back. These signings demonstrate Manchester United’s commitment to investing in young talent with the potential to develop into key players.
As featured on ManUNews.comAs featured on ChelseaNews.com
For more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
