As Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United on Monday, Erik ten Hag’s replacement did the rounds introducing himself to his new squad.
There he was engaging in a bear hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount. Smiling up at the towering presence of Leny Yoro. A very literal arm around Luke Shaw’s shoulder.
And while the very sight of Manchester United’s seldom-seen left-back brought with it some less-than original jokes – Shaw set for another few weeks on the sidelines with whiplash, and so on – the lack of fully fit players in that problem position is certainly something Ruben Amorim will have to contend with in his first few weeks in the Old Trafford dugout.
Shaw returned to first-team training before Man United beat Leicester on Sunday. Tyrell Malacia made his long-awaited comeback in midweek, meanwhile, the Dutchman waking at last from a nightmare 17 months as he featured during the EFL Trophy clash with Huddersfield Town.
But, still, it would come as little surprise if a new left-back emerged as Man United’s top priority ahead of the January transfer window.
Manchester United need a left-back amid links with Juventus’ Juan Cabal
Ruben Amorim reportedly wants Man United to prioritise players with ‘intensity’. Those capable of adapting quickly to his hard-running 3-4-2-1 system, in which the wing-backs are expected to hold the fort on the flank.
It will take some time before Malacia can build up the athleticism required for such a position. Shaw, meanwhile, may be better suited to a role as one of Amorim’s three centre-backs.
As such, Man United’s reported interest in a host of powerful, swashbuckling left-sided full-backs is something to keep a very keen eye on as the winter approaches. Fulham flyer Antonee Robinson has been linked. As has Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri.
‘Intensity’ is certainly not in short supply when it comes to either the Craven Cottage speedster or the Molineux maestro.
But as Juan Cabal clutched his knee in pain during training with the Colombian national team this week, one potential January option quickly went up in smoke.
Tutto Juve reported a few weeks ago that Man United have been keeping tabs on Juventus’ Juan Cabal.
Cabal suffers potential ACL injury to scupper Man United hopes
The 23-year-old South American only joined Juve in a £12.5 million deal from Hellas Verona a few months ago but, starting half of their 12 Serie A fixtures, it was suggested that the Bianconeri could look to double their money with a £25 million sale.
That will not be happening now, of course. Not with Juan Cabal suffering what looks to be a season-ending injury, with Tuttomercatoweb reporting that there are genuine fears of a cruciate ligament tear which could keep him out until deep into 2025.
“The feeling is that it could be a very serious problem,” TMW write. “In fact, it is possible that there is a rupture of the cruciate ligament and now we are just waiting for the tests to have the final verdict.
“Cabal is returning to Italy and, once he arrives in Turin, he will go to JMedical for the necessary tests. If it were to be official, the rupture of the cruciate ligament would be the second serious problem suffered by a Juventus player in the last month and a half.”
Veteran defender Gleison Bremer is already out with an ACL blow.
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