United make key decision over January move for new left-back | OneFootball

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Manchester United’s decision start the season with Luke Shaw as the only senior left-back in the squad will hardly please fans. The Red Devils were expected to sign a long-term replacement for the Englishman this summer.

Shaw has entered the final year of his contract and turned 31 earlier this year. Given his history of injury-related issues, reinforcing the position emerged as a priority this year.

Luke Shaw Injury History: 21/22 to date

However, the Englishman started every game in the Premier League last season, suggesting that his fitness woes were behind him. That perhaps generated confidence behind the scenes over the summer.

United invested over £150 million in the midfield and were left with very little funds to spare for other positions. Despite being linked with players like Lewis Hall, Alejandro Balde, David Raum and Adrien Truffert, the Red Devils ended the summer without signing a new left-back.

There remains the option to revisit the position once the transfer window opens in January. However, a new update on the matter has now emerged that may not please United fans.

United unlikely to reinforce left-back position in January

According to Football Insider, United are not planning to reinforce the left-back position at the turn of the year. The report states: “Man United are planning to delay their search for a new left-back signing until next summer rather than in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.”

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke added: “I’m sure there is a plan in place at Old Trafford, obviously the main focus this summer was to rebuild the midfield, which they have done with their new signings.”

“Last year they brought in new attacking players in Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo, so I’m sure the next focus will be on the defence.”

“It’ll be hard to sign their top targets in the upcoming January window, because nobody wants to lose their best players midway through the season, but I’m sure United will revisit their left-back options in next summer’s window because they do need to find a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.”

United’s current left-back options

United signed Patrick Dorgu in January 2025 to fill the left-sided wing-back role, but he has been exclusively used in attack by Michael Carrick. The English manager, however, recently hinted that the Dane could be an option to cover for Shaw.

The Red Devils also have the versatile Noussair Mazraoui, who has regularly operated at left-back for his nation. While the Moroccan has played at right-back this season, he has previously operated on the opposite flank for the English giants and remains an option for the job.

Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot is another candidate to cover for Shaw, although he remains the first choice at right-back for now. Another option Carrick could turn to is Harry Amass, who took part in pre-season with the senior side. The academy graduate was linked with an exit over the summer but ended up staying.

Final Thoughts

United have traditionally refrained from investing heavily in the squad in the winter transfer window. However, things could change if the left-back position continues to be the team’s problem area as the season progresses.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment Overall credibility: 6/10 Why?

✅ Reported by a British outlet who have a decent United track record. ✅ United rarely invest heavily in the squad in January. ⚠️ Club has not officially revealed stance on the matter.