Manchester United wants to sign former Chelsea left-back as a possible answer to their defensive problems

Manchester United wants to sign former Chelsea left-back as a possible answer to their defensive problems

Manchester United are apparently looking into former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso as a possible answer to their defensive problems. Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw both struggled with fitness issues last season, posing concerns for the Red Devils at left back.

 

According to The Mirror, United has a three-man shortlist for the left-back position, which comprises Alonso, Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell, and Feyenoord’s David Hancko. He is a free agent with Premier League experience, having played for Chelsea in 2016-17 and in the Champions League in 2020-21. According to Caught Offside, the 33-year-old Spaniard is regarded as a short-term alternative and potential backup for Luke Shaw, since his attacking abilities might provide additional help to United’s forward line.

 

“He has Premier League experience and can support the full-back during attacks. “Given his age, the 33-year-old would be a short-term option for the Red Devils, serving mostly as Luke Shaw’s backup. “It demonstrates United’s aim to bolster their defence in multiple positions this summer. In addition, the Red Devils have been connected to a right-back to take Wan-Bissaka’s place.

 

“Negotiations are currently underway with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, demonstrating United’s readiness to completely overhaul their defensive line-up,” said a post on the club’s website on Thursday.

 

This interest in Alonso is part of a larger attempt to improve United’s defensive. The team has already signed attacker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro, and has been connected with Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich. Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, is eager to address the left-back position after the club was forced to use right-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot last season due to injury. The Red Devils have been active in the transfer market, selling players including Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, and Donny van de Beek. There are also suggestions that Casemiro and Scott McTominay may go.

 

Manchester United’s summer transfer plans might be disrupted following an injury to Brentford’s new signing, Ivor Thiago, according to Manchester World.

 

 

The £30 million acquisition from Club Brugge injured his meniscus during a pre-season match against AFC Wimbledon on Thursday.

 

This injury sidelines Thiago and potentially impacts the club’s summer strategies, especially concerning the future of Ivan Toney.

 

Manchester United, among other clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, have shown interest in the England international. Though a transfer for Toney seems unlikely at the moment, it hasn’t been entirely dismissed.

 

Earlier this summer, Brentford’s manager Thomas Frank commented on the club’s transfer dealings.

 

He acknowledged the possibility of Toney leaving, saying, “Maybe we are selling a player but we are prepared for that. It’s no secret that there’s lots of rumours about Ivan. If he is leaving us, and I’d still like to keep him as he’s a top player, this time we are prepared and brought in Igor Thiago.”

 

During a Euro 2024 press conference, Toney addressed these speculations: “I didn’t hear him say that. I can’t predict the future and if I could I wouldn’t be sat here in front of you guys. What will be will be and my main focus is playing well and doing well for my country. I’ve been through it before.

 

 

There’s been lots of talk of me going here, there and everywhere before in my career and I just don’t let outside noise get to me. I’m here with England now and the main focus is doing well for England and whatever happens, happens. I can’t control it.”

 

 

Reflecting on past transfer sagas, Toney added: “From 18 when I was supposed to go to Wolves and I was all excited and getting involved in all of it, then it didn’t happen. It hurt me.

 

Since then, I thought: ‘Why am I trying to take control of things when I don’t need that pressure?’. I just let people who take care of those things do it and I focus on the pitch.”

 

Toney’s career began at Northampton Town, where he advanced through the youth ranks and made 60 first-team appearances, scoring 13 goals.

 

 

Newcastle United signed him in 2015, but he spent most of his time on loan at clubs like Shrewsbury Town, Barnsley, Scunthorpe United, and Wigan Athletic. In 2018, he moved to Peterborough United, where his impressive performance earned him a transfer to Brentford.

 

At Brentford, Toney continued his goal-scoring form, playing a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League.