Manchester United have compiled a five-candidate shortlist for a position they are focusing on strengthening this summer. Despite finishing the 2023-24 season with a FA Cup victory over Manchester City, the team had a largely disappointing campaign.
Although there were doubts about manager Erik ten Hag’s future, United’s new minority owners, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, opted to retain him and extend his contract for an additional year after reviewing the season.
With the Dutch manager’s position secured, Manchester United began revitalizing their squad for the upcoming season. Striker Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna earlier this month, and shortly after, £52 million defender Leny Yoro arrived, opting for Old Trafford over a move to Real Madrid. United still require additional reinforcements for a defense that was significantly impacted by injuries last season.
Left-back Luke Shaw made only 12 Premier League appearances due to two separate muscle injuries, and his usual backup, Tyrell Malacia, missed the entire season with a knee problem.
To prevent a recurrence of this issue, United have created a shortlist of five left-back targets. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth indicates that one of the players under consideration is English talent Archie Brown, who currently plays for KAA Gent in Belgium.
Feyenoord’s 26-year-old Slovakian defender David Hancko is among the left-back targets on United’s shortlist, alongside several other well-known options.
United’s management was impressed with Crystal Palace’s 24-year-old full-back Tyrick Mitchell last season; Mitchell may have been unlucky not to make England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon is also being considered, despite having left United midway through the last season. Reguilon was brought in on a six-month loan for emergency cover but returned to Tottenham after four months when a break clause in the loan agreement was triggered.
The Mirror reports that former Chelsea player Marcos Alonso is being evaluated as a cost-effective option, following his departure from Barcelona after his contract ended earlier this summer.
