Manchester United fully intend to sign a left-back/left wing-back in the very early stages of the January window, with a source revealing two stars who won’t break the bank are being targeted.
The left-back/left-back position has proven problematic for Erik Ten Hag and now the same can be said for Ruben Amorim. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia struggled to fit in, forcing Diogo Dalot to delegate to the left wing more than he would have liked.
And with new boss Amorim switching to his customary 3-4-3 formation, a more attack-minded option is required. Dalot has scored just six goals and provided just 12 assists in 184 appearances for the Red Devils.
Signing one and potentially two specialist left wing-backs will form part of the major squad rebuild Man Utd’s hierarchy have greenlit. But with funds prior to player sales in desperately short supply for January, targets at the cheaper end of the spectrum must be considered.
According to reporter Chris Winterburn – who has contributed to outlets like the BBC and Marca – Man Utd are “fairly confident” they’ll sign a left-sided defender “early in the January window.”
Additionally, Winterburn have named Álvaro Carreras (Benfica) and Miguel Gutiérrez (Girona) as they are considered viable targets.
“I understand that the club is confident in signing a left-back at the start of the January window,” Winterburn wrote in X.
“Shaw’s physical condition, Malacia, has also had physical aptitude problems. Having to keep talking about the Dalot returned to him.
“The club is interested in Miguel Gutiérrez, but there is also the acquisition of Álvaro Fernández (Carreras). Both offer economically. »
Carreras, 21, sold through the UTD type to Benfica at a value according to 9 million euros (including accessories) last summer.
The left-back has temporarily established himself as a guaranteed starter in Portugal and excels on both sides of the pitch.
Man Utd successfully inserted a buy-back clause in Carreras’ deal understood to be worth £16m.
Gutierrez, on the other hand, would carry a little more if Girona stood in his arms regarding his release clause. The 23-year release clause amounts to 35 million euros (£29 million).
The movement of privileged information Rudy Galetti in the past verified the incipient interest of the UTD type for Carreras and Gutiérrez in mid-December.
Another left-back on Man Utd’s radar is Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. Liverpool are also keen on the Hungarian, Fabrizio Romano has revealed why Kerkez is actually more likely to sign up for the Red Devils.
In news, Man Utd have been outplayed through Liverpool and Tottenham in the race to signal PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.
The Frenchman has the green light to step down from managing the loan next month, although amid widespread interest, PSG are insisting that a legal responsibility to buy be included.
In other places, the former Manchester City player, Shaun Wright-Phillips, has named the 3 existing United Stars in which Amorim can depend.
Finally, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were informed of what is their greatest challenge in Man Utd and Amorim is in part responsible.