Nico Schlotterbeck offers the tactical edge Manchester United seek in summer signing | OneFootball

The other day, transfer guru Ben Jacobs painted a clear picture of what Manchester United’s summer transfer window could look like.

Jacobs confirmed the obvious: United are keen to bolster their midfield, secure a perfect left winger, and also sign a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee.

Versatile left-back on the menu

However, he went on to specify another position INEOS are determined to strengthen, highlighting the unique player profile being targeted. He stated: “Manchester United are expected to target a versatile left-back.”

Yet, finding such a versatile option will not be as straightforward as simply identifying the need.

Players of this mould are rare. First, it must be decided whether this versatile left-back should also be capable of playing as a left-sided centre-back, or whether he should be able to push higher up the pitch and play as a winger.

Hints suggest the preference is for a left-back who can also play centre-back. After all, there is little need to sign one who plays further forward when Patrick Dorgu already offers that option.

Moreover, if Michael Carrick is handed the job, he would likely advocate for a full-back who can double up as a centre-back. There are notable similarities between Carrick and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, both of whom worked together as Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s assistants at United.

They share tactical tendencies: favouring full-backs who rarely join the attack, paired with wingers who are dominant on their natural foot. McKenna has often deployed Axel Tuanzebe at right-back alongside a right-footed winger. At the same time, Carrick has used Luke Shaw at left-back, who no longer ventures forward as much, and shown intent to play Dorgu as a left-footed winger.

Schlotterbeck perfect for United

Given this profile, United should not look past Nico Schlotterbeck.

The Borussia Dortmund star is fascinating and brutally complete. He is arguably the best left-footed left-back/left-sided centre-back in the Bundesliga, and one of the finest in the world.

Schlotterbeck boasts elite ball-playing abilities, clean and progressive build-up, leadership qualities, and Champions League pedigree. But beyond technical quality, he brings immense physical attributes: strong, tall, quick-footed, and capable of delivering dangerous crosses.

He would massively boost United’s athleticism, which many felt had faded, particularly under Ruben Amorim.

Indeed, among Europe’s top five leagues this season, only one defender has been rated higher than him: David Raum. Schlotterbeck has been consistently outstanding, which is why reports suggest Barcelona and Real Madrid are so keen on him.

But with United aspiring to have the best of the best, Schlotterbeck should be high on their list.

He could be the perfect Shaw alternative, the versatile left-back United crave, while allowing Dorgu to switch permanently to left wing, where he has already proven a massive hit.

Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

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