Jorge Salinas: Path clear for last-minute Man United move for Spanish left-back | OneFootball

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The perfect way for Manchester United to crown their brilliant summer business is by signing a left-back.

Shaw not at his best

Luke Shaw, as reliable as he has been for Manchester United, has at times become a liability in the past few games. Age is catching up with him.

No longer as athletic as he once was, Shaw has shown signs of struggling to keep up with pacey wingers.

Against AC Milan in pre-season, and then Hull City and Ipswich last weekend, opponents targeted him directly. His struggles left United exposed, and the team consequently gave away cheap goals.

United hope to sign a left-back before deadline day, though who it will be remains a mystery.

However, developments from Spain suggest Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas could indeed be the one.

Salinas replacement signed, as Atletico Madrid prioritise another left-back

Earlier today, the Spanish side announced they have signed Aaron Martín from Genoa CFC.

This transfer has left many questioning the thinking behind it. As promising as Salinas is, why sign another left-back only to block the young full-back’s path?

Salinas should therefore be motivated to leave, and the club should not find itself in a dilemma over how to handle his exit with a replacement.

That said, Barcelona appear to have dropped out of the race in recent weeks, leaving Atletico Madrid as the Red Devils’ biggest rival in Salinas’s pursuit.

Yet the Diego Simeone-led side are now working hard to sign left-back Nicolás Tagliafico.

If INEOS do not see a clear path to signing Salinas, then perhaps they are not as keen on a last-minute left-back deal as many assumed.

What is happening in Spain should have set alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford.

The 20-time English champions should move to convince the young full-back to join them, activate his £13 million release clause, and close the deal quickly.

Perfect Shaw heir

Salinas could compete directly with Shaw, earning his chances as the Englishman is gradually phased out.

A defend-first player who dominates duels physically and defends the box from both ground and aerial balls, the 19-year-old could turn United’s left-back slot from a point of weakness into a genuine strength.