Manchester United were dealt another injury blow on Thursday as it came out that Luke Shaw is injured.
The injury is a flashback to years ago when Luke Shaw was often on the doctor’s table. But since then, he has become among Manchester United‘s top players and most important on and off the pitch.
He also seems to have put his inconsistent availability behind him so Erik ten Hag and fans will be hopeful this injury is a one off.
It has been reported by David Ornstein that: “Luke Shaw has suffered a muscular injury + is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. Assessments ongoing in hope 28yo left-back will miss weeks rather than months.”
Therefore, with Tyrell Malacia also injured and no return in sight, Samuel Luckhurst has reported that United are now ‘in the market’ for a left-back.
But at this stage in the window, what are United’s options?
Nicolas Tagliafico
We all know that Erik ten Hag likes to sign players who he has prior relationships with and in this case, it could be the right decision.
A player who could be available for cheap and likely open to the move due to Lyon’s struggling start to the season.
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Nicolás Tagliafico has worked with Ten Hag before and likely will be the first name that our manager brings up in the crisis meeting to find a new left-back.
Marcos Acuna
A slight wild-card in there is no suggestion he could be a target for United. Despite this he is a top-class left-back as we found out when we faced Sevilla last season.
Adding to this the Spanish side are in need of sales, with Acuna linked with an Aston Villa move last week.
He therefore could be an option if his current injury doubts isn’t serious enough to rule him out of any games.
Given his age, he would also be a great experienced personality to have in the dressing room.
Ryan Bertrand
A name that no United fan wants to read on the team-sheet over the next year is Ryan Bertrand.
A report by Stretty News claims that Bertrand is being discussed internally as an option for United.
The 34-year-old is without a club after being released by Leicester earlier this summer and he now finds himself training with Chelsea’s loan development squad.
Even considering a move for Bertrand screens of desperation in the final week of the window, they would be our least favourite option.
Due to financial constraints however, it is likely Bertrand or nobody unless we can make some sales at this point.
Alvaro Fernandez
The last additional bonus option is the most sensible, we keep Alvaro Fernandez at the club and throw him into the line-up.
He proved himself in pre-season to be up to scratch, and therefore he could end up thriving and making Shaw’s return to the line-up difficult.
The only issue is there is no back-up currently fit, however we don’t see it as priority as Shaw should be back in a month at the latest.