Amid potential qualification for the Champions League, Manchester United are eyeing up a new left-back to compete with Luke Shaw next season.
Manchester United returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, as they defeated Aston Villa 3-1 to reinforce third in the Premier League and move three points clear of the Birmingham-based side.
After a flat first half, Michael Carrick’s side put in a second-half performance that was reminiscent of earlier games in Carrick’s tenure.
The match also marked Luke Shaw’s 30th appearance in a row in the Premier League this season, being the only United player to start every game. Though, Matthijs de Ligt had played every minute in the competition until his back injury before Christmas.
Switching from left centre-back under Rúben Amorim to then returning to his favoured left-back role under Carrick, the Englishman has arguably shown his best form since his stellar 2020/2021 season.
Depth at left-back is needed
With Manchester United only having to focus on the league this season, it has been clear that the strain on players’ bodies is far less than previously. This has benefited no player more than Shaw, who, after an injury-ridden two years, has now returned to become a consistent starter.
However, TalkSport has reported that officials at United are concerned about his physical condition for playing multiple games a week, with the club set to return to European football next season. This season, his understudy has been Tyrell Malacia, who seems to be on his way out of the club.
Patrick Dorgu is also being considered more of a left-winger thanks to his scintillating performances before his injury, and that means next season there may be no senior competition for Shaw, bar the return of Harry Amass, who has been injured since the end of January.
It is no surprise to see the club prioritise signing a left-back in the summer, along with two midfielders. Similar to last summer, the club will want to sign Premier League-proven players.
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Who could United target?
If United were to go for a Premier League-proven player, there are only two major players that stand out as options. Similar to the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the aim will be that they are 26 and under, but with good experience in the English top flight.
The first of the options would be Lewis Hall from Newcastle United. He has grown from strength to strength this season, as evidenced by his performances against both United and Chelsea recently, as well as Barcelona, where he shut down Lamine Yamal. Due to Newcastle not needing to sell, as well as the player potentially starting for England at the World Cup, he will come at a big premium price.
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Secondly, Malick Diouf could be an option, and if West Ham were to go down, he would be available for a cut-price deal. A player able to dominate the left-hand side and offensively contribute with crosses, and he has shown this season that he could stand out in a struggling side. However, his talent is still raw and may not be the immediate successor to Shaw if he were to leave in a few years.
Both players are 21 and have plenty more years to develop into world-class players, but also, mainly in the case of Hall, can immediately compete with Shaw for a place in the side. As shown when both Malacia and Alex Telles were previously signed, Shaw seemingly thrives off competition and may push him to be even better.
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