Manchester United are reportedly contemplating a move for Barcelona star Marcos Alonso to provide an emergency option at left back following Luke Shaw’s injury.
According to Sky Sports Germany’s Christian Falk, Manchester United have asked Barcelona about the possibility of signing Marcos Alonso, as they hope to bring in a new left-back before next week’s transfer deadline after losing Luke Shaw to injury.
It is well-documented that United are in the market for a new left-back cover, with first-choice starter Luke Shaw currently set for a period on the sidelines with a muscular problem. Tyrell Malacia is also out, having returned to pre-season with an injury. He is still a fair few weeks away from being back in contention.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag was forced to play Diogo Dalot at left-back in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. The Portuguese did admirably despite being a natural right-back, as he had little experience playing in that position last season.
Young left-back Alvaro Fernandez is another player ten Hag could utilise after he impressed for Manchester United in pre-season. But it seems the Dutchman is looking for a more well-versed and experienced option.
Former Chelsea and Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand is one player Manchrster United have considered. But it seems he is just one of a slew of options on Ten Hag’s radar. Barcelona’s Marcos Alonso is the latest potential candidate after links with moves for Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon.
The Spaniard, who was a Premier League and Champions League winner during his tenure at Chelsea, started 20 times in the last campaign and scored a goal against Manchester United in the Europa League. But he has not featured in any of Barcelona’s first two La Liga games of the season. He last played in the pre-season friendly against Tottenham on August 8.
The 32-year-old is not the first choice for Xavi, and the Catalan giants are open to moving him on if a decent price can be recouped. He signed a new one-year deal in January of this year, and United are most likely going to target a short-term loan deal until January. Ten Hag will hope to have both Shaw and Malacia fit by then to allow the loanee to head back to his parent club.
The Spain international could be a smart option given his vast Premier League experience, having played over 200 times for the Blues. He has a powerful left foot, a great crossing technique, and an eye for the back of the net, which helped him record 29 career goals. It remains to be seen, however, whether Barcelona will sanction a loan deal considering they would be losing a reliable bench option.
