Signing a new left wing-back needs to be a priority for Manchester United this year.
Manchester United have been without a left-back for much of the season due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Ruben Amorim has had to call upon Diogo Dalot to play on his least favoured flank as a result, but it has been far from ideal – apart from when the Portugal international had Trent Alexander-Arnold stored in his pocket during United’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
The United head coach is expecting a quiet January transfer window, but there are at least two areas in the team he would like to improve.
After his first match in charge against Ipswich Town, Amorim issued a demand for a new left wing-back to be signed, but it remains to be seen if his wish will be granted in January.
United have been linked with several left wing-backs, including Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies. The Reds are also keeping tabs on players with Premier League experience such as Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Manchester United lead the race for Milos Kerkez
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has been one of the most impressive wing-backs in the Premier League this season, which explains why he is being linked with a big move in 2025.
Kerkez has three league assists to his name this term and starred in Bournemouth’s 3-0 win over United at Old Trafford last month. That could prove to be an influential audition should the Reds strike a deal to sign the Hungarian.
The need for a wing-back has inevitably led to constant speculation, but it is understood United have concrete interest in Kerkez, who is valued at £50m by Bournemouth this month.
According to Ben Jacobs of TeamTalk, United are in a “good position” to sign Kerkez, while the reporter stresses it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line due to his importance at Bournemouth.
The 21-year-old’s performances have helped the Cherries start the season strongly, as they sit high in seventh position. Kerkez also has admirers at Chelsea and Liverpool. This means there will likely be competition for his signature.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 7 |  B’mouthBournemouth | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 23 | 7 | 33 |
| 8 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 32 |
| 9 |  FulhamFulham | 20 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 30 | 27 | 3 | 30 |
| 10 |  BrightonBrighton | 20 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 30 | 29 | 1 | 28 |
| 11 |  BrentfordBrentford | 20 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 38 | 35 | 3 | 27 |
| 12 |  TottenhamTottenham | 20 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 42 | 30 | 12 | 24 |
| 13 |  Man UtdManchester United | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 23 | 28 | -5 | 23 |
| 14 |  West HamWest Ham | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 24 | 39 | -15 | 23 |
| 15 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 20 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 21 | 28 | -7 | 21 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 19 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 15 | 25 | -10 | 17 |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 31 | 45 | -14 | 16 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 20 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 20 | 35 | -15 | 16 |
The report adds that Kerkez has recently joined a new agency, Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports, which indicates that he is open to leaving Bournemouth in the near future.
Liverpool cool Milos Kerkez interest
With competition expected to be fierce for Kerkez’s signature, it bodes well for United that some clubs are reportedly cooling their interest.
Chelsea may have more money than sense, but they’re happy with their current left-back options, with Marc Cucurella performing strongly since winning the European Championship with Spain in the summer.
Jacobs reveals that Liverpool have also shown interest in Kerkez, but sources close to the Anfield club have played down suggestions that they will make a move.
Hopefully, if United make Kerkez a prime transfer target, they will have a clear run at him this month or during the summer transfer window.
Bournemouth will be reluctant to lose Kerkez midway through the season, especially when they are exceeding expectations with him at left-back.
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