El Hadji Malick Diouf: Man United to repeat last summer’s transfer trick with West Ham star | OneFootball

A left-back signing is on the agenda at Manchester United.

Luke Shaw has proven to be a reliable presence, starting every Premier League game for United this season. Should he feature in the remaining four league games, it will mark the first season Shaw has played every league game in 12 years.

While the Englishman has been dependable this season and should remain so next term, The Red Devils cannot gamble on his fitness. The 30-year-old needs a capable deputy.

Patrick Dorgu could have filled that role, but the Dane looks set to operate as a left winger, having made such an impact there. In fact, it is precisely the desire to keep Dorgu in that position that is driving United’s pursuit of a left-back.

As for which left-back the Red Devils could target, talkSPORT claim Ineos may look to repeat last season’s transfer trick by going for a tried-and-tested Premier League talent to deputise for Shaw.

El Hadji Malick Diouf links

The 20-time English champions are keen on West Ham United’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, with the UK outlet confirming: “Manchester United are interested in West Ham United’s El Hadji Malick Diouf.”

How much the left-back would cost remains a mystery, with the report adding that “there is no indication of what sort of fee West Ham would be looking for, but a lot would depend on the relegation battle.”

These links, though, will certainly be worth watching.

Standout Hammer

West Ham United may have struggled this season, but Diouf has impressed massively. In 28 appearances for the Hammers, he has registered five assists.

Athletic, physical, and relentless up and down the left flank, he combines pace, power, superb crossing ability, and ball-carrying quality. Few in the league can match him in that regard. He has been one of the standout performers of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign.

Given that this is his maiden Premier League season, it is exciting to consider how much better the 21-year-old could become as he continues with his development and irons out a couple of defensive issues.

So, alongside Mateus Fernandes, Diouf to United could be a move well worth looking forward to. He and a left-winger signing would represent a massive upgrade on the Red Devils’ left-hand side.

Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images

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