As Manchester United continue to get to grips with Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, it is clear that certain positions will need to be strengthened in the transfer market.
Diogo Dalot started as a left-wing-back in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town and United have been without a natural left-sided full-back since February.
However, despite both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia returning to the squad on Sunday after lengthy injury absences, it is clear that United need to add competition at left-wing-back so they do not need to rely on either of those players given their injury records.
READ MORE: Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada offers Old Trafford regeneration update
READ MORE: Manchester United’s rising star might have to abandon his Old Trafford dream
Both could yet thrive under Amorim but a new left-wing-back has emerged as a clear transfer priority for the new United manager.
As such, the links are already pouring in over who United could make a move for. Having been linked with the likes of Ben Chilwell, Milos Kerkez and Marcos Alonso in the summer, the profile of left-wing-back United are now said to be targeting is a lot different.
Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies has emerged as the most ambitious target. The Canada international is available on a free transfer next summer and all signs suggest he won’t pen a new deal at the Allianz Arena.
Real Madrid have long been linked with the 24-year-old and they remain favourites for his signature. But United have been credited with an interest and it remains to be seen whether the Amorim project can tempt him to make the move to the Premier League.
Similarly, AC Milan’s French international left-back Theo Hernandez has also been linked with a move to United today. The 27-year-old is out of contract in 2026 and while he does not commit his future to the San Siro he could well be available for a cut-price fee.
Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras has been linked with a sensational return to Old Trafford, too, just months after making the move to the Portuguese giants from United on a permanent basis.
The Spanish under-21 international has impressed in Portugal and is a player Amorim knows well. His £16.7million buyback clause would hardly break the bank but would improve United with a player who has now proven himself at the top level of European football.
Unlike the summer links with Chilwell and Alonso, players whose best years are arguably behind them, United are now being linked with the best and most promising left-wing-backs in Europe.
All three players would be prudent signings, too, given their contract status, and if United can take advantage to sign just one of their purported targets, it would send a sign that they are no longer a club that overspends on talent but are a club that identifies opportunities in the market and exploits them.
