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Manchester United have been forced to start the new season without a senior specialist left-back due to injury, almost akin to what had transpired last season.
Diogo Dalot, a right-back by trade, has started in both Premier League games while new signing Noussair Mazraoui, who can also play there, has started in his familiar right-back role.
Luke Shaw remains absent after a pre-season issue and is likely to be back after the international break. Last season, he ended up missing 36 games and the club simply cannot trust the Englishman on a consistent basis despite his qualities.
Tyrell Malacia, brought in as backup, missed the entire last campaign and is sidelined till October. The situation remains dire with centre-back Victor Lindelof capable of playing there but is currently injured.
LB issues
The experiment to play Lisandro Martinez in that position during the Community Shield did not pan out the way Erik ten Hag had hoped for.
Last season, Sergio Reguilon was brought in on loan and while the Spaniard would love to return, there is no guarantee the Red Devils will come in for him before the deadline as reports have indicated another incoming in that position is unlikely before January.
Brighton’s last-minute winner was partly down to the entire left channel remaining unmarked and if last-minute market opportunities open up in the left-back department, United should definitely pounce.
Spanish outlet Fichajes have claimed the 20-time English league champions are among multiple teams keeping an eye on Girona’s breakthrough star, Miguel Gutiérrez.
Miguel interest
The former Real Madrid star netted twice while providing nine assists last term, as unfancied Girona qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
“As the transfer window draws to a close, many clubs and players remain on alert, especially at Girona, ready for possible last-minute moves.
“Among the names that are most in the news during this period of uncertainty is that of Miguel Gutiérrez, Girona’s talented left-back , whose possible departure has caught the attention of several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“His performances last season have sparked interest from European giants such as Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. However, wage restrictions and the need to reduce squads have so far held back any concrete move.”
Miguel deal unlikely
The 23-year-old was in the top one percent among his peers in the same position in La Liga for chances created and recoveries (as per fotmob), which highlights how comfortable he is with his both facets of the game, something the United boss wants from his full-backs.
A move for him could be a gamechanger, however, any move for the Spain international is complicated by the fact that Los Blancos have a buyback option and could be inclined to bring back the Spain international especially if a move for Alphonso Davies does not materialise.
That could make a summer move unlikely. And Girona will not be ready to lose their talisman on the cheap should Real not come knocking with the player’s current market value standing at €25 million as per Transfermarkt.
Following United’s acquisition of Manuel Ugarte, INEOS have spent €200 million in their first window and the likelihood of another big splurge is unlikely. So this report can be taken with a hefty pinch of salt.
But if a loan deal or free agent opens up, United could be in business with links emerging with Marcos Alonso and Mario Hermoso.
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2024-08-27 20:30:38
