Left-back solution is already at United
IN AN IDEAL world, Erik ten Hag would be able to strengthen in every position he sees fit this summer. The reality is some areas in need of renovation will have to be neglected for the time being in order to prioritise elsewhere.
United’s desire for midfield reinforcements is well documented, as is their wish to strengthen a forward line that is overly reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo and that has lost valuable back-up options since the end of the season.
One such example is that of left-back, a position that became one of the real problems for the Reds last season.
In the past week, United have been linked with both David Raum and Tyrell Malacia as options to strengthen the left side of their defence, but the problem is Ten Hag is well aware other defenders must be moved on before they can justify another addition.
Luke Shaw is highly rated by United despite a sluggish last season, and there is a genuine belief he could recapture the worldclass level he reached last year, culminating in the European Championship with England.
Ten Hag could hold the key to getting the best out of Shaw once again, and if that happens, then United will only really need a back-up option this summer, rather than another player who can come in and start games immediately. In that case, it is perhaps best if the Reds manage to get a young understudy for the England international in place, one who can learn from him on a daily basis and gain valuable experience with starts in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions when needed. Alex Telles would likely need to be sold in order to vindicate such a pursuit. The same can be said for Brandon Williams, who has made 28 appearances for United at left-back too. The club
are open to offers for him this summer, though there is even an argument to suggest he could be a suitable back-up option.
Then there is Alvaro Fernandez. The Spaniard is one of the most exciting young players at the club and is itching for an opportunity to prove he deserves a chance in the first-team after an excellent season at youth level.
Fernandez was United’s Under-23 Player of the Year, and is expected to make his senior debut next season after being named on the bench for the last four matches under Ralf Rangnick.
The 19-year-old netted four goals and notched six assists for the Reds at youth level this season and has greatly impressed with his tactical discipline and wider understanding of the full-back role.
Fernandez remains an extremely raw talent but has demonstrated great maturity in the way in which he has listened to advice from coaches and looked to work on the defensive side of his game.
The former Real Madrid youngster attracted loan interest from Spain and England, and interest is being shown in him once again this summer, though no final decision has been made on where his immediate future will lie.
With another campaign in the Europa League on the horizon, Fernandez could have the perfect opportunity to make a name for himself in the United first team and gain meaningful minutes in a competition where there will be less pressure on him to perform.
The Reds are in need of an improvement at left-back, but that does not necessarily mean they need to spend more money to get it.
Fernandez can be a worthy backup option next season if their starter isn’t Shaw.