Man United have just two days remaining before the transfer window closes, and there is still business that needs to be completed
Manchester United completed their main priority for the summer transfer window last week. Before the market opened, United knew they needed to add to their midfield. The July arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans eased the pressure, but a third midfielder was always required, especially with Manuel Ugarte injured.
Carlos Baleba was a long-term target for the Reds, and once it was clear a £70m deal was possible, instead of the whopping £100m+ they were quoted last summer, Ineos moved quickly to get it done. In an ideal world, United would not need to do any more business this summer, especially with just two full days of the window remaining.
However, it is obvious United need to complete one more transfer. Luke Shaw deserved all the plaudits that came his way last season. After a period of injury struggles, the left-back did exceptionally well to feature in every single Premier League game.
While nothing can be taken away from his accomplishment, it would be naive to think that Shaw could repeat this again in the 2026/27 campaign. This year is already going to be busier for United than last season. Eight matches have been added to the schedule after they qualified for the Champions League. The Reds should also go further in the Carabao and FA Cups having been knocked out at the first time of asking in both domestic cups last term.
That additional load means United will need to rotate. They cannot rely solely on Shaw to play in all competitions, never mind expect him to stay on the field for the majority of those matches. On the right, United have Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui battling for a start. The Reds need that same depth on the left.
Who they choose to target to provide that competition will shape United’s plans for the next year. On the one hand, the Reds could opt for a recognised starter. Lewis Hall is the player United have been interested in for the majority of the summer.
Hall’s signature would nail down that left-back role for the foreseeable. But, a summer of change at Newcastle means they are in no mood to sell him at this late stage.
Alternative options such as Ferdi Kadioglu, Alejandro Balde and Ian Maatsen, have all been suggested. Were one of those to join, we could see a changing of the guard at left-back this season.
None of these players be happy playing second choice to Shaw, and they likely wouldn’t sign for United if that was the case anyway. Any one of their arrivals would place doubts over Shaw’s future. He is out of contract at the end of this season and would have to decide whether to stay to be a back-up, or leave on a free to gain more regular minutes.
It would also mean that United could focus next year on strengthening their attack. This area has been neglected in the summer with the Reds hopeful Benjamin Sesko can stay fit to hold down the fort up front.
On the other hand, United could easily decide to sign a more youthful left-back before the window closes. Jorge Salinas at Racing Santander has been mentioned this summer but, at 19, he is unlikely to come in as an immediate first choice starter. Instead, he would be given time to settle in the Premier League and learn the ropes under Shaw.
That would also mean Shaw stays as the first choice left-back for this season and a player like Salinas would be given opportunities off the bench and in cup competitions.
United would also be pushing the left-back conversation to next summer too. They could revisit a move for Halor decide that Salinas or another young arrival is ready to make that position his.
What is clear though is that it all rests on the next 48 hours. Whichever direction United decide to go will have a knock-on effect for the next year.
;)
;)
;)
;)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login