Manchester United on the pitch remain a work in progress – and long-term, more squad strengthening needs to be done.
If the Red Devils were unlucky against Man City in the Community Shield and against Brighton in the Premier League – two games they could and maybe should have won – then Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Liverpool was a brutal reminder of the deficiencies that still exist within Erik ten Hag’s system.
At least, off the pitch, Manchester United appear to have their act together.
Whether Ten Hag lasts the season – or even the calendar year – remains to be seen. After making massive changes in the playing staff and the boardroom, the manager is one of the few untouched so far by the Ineos axe.
And Ten Hag realistically has nowhere to hide now after an excellent transfer window which saw five first-team additions brought in.
Man United landed their first-choice striker target in Joshua Zirkzee, their first-choice centre-back in Leny Yoro, and their first-choice midfielder in Manuel Ugarte.
But if there was one thing stopping a B-plus window from becoming an A, it is maybe the lack of a left-back.
Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez have operated in a typically problematic position under Ten Hag so far in 2024/25, so reports suggesting United could begin 2025 seeking a left-sided full-back should come as no real surprise.
Manchester United linked with Juventus ace Juan Cabal
The Sun reports that the Red Devils are looking at Fulham’s £30 million-rated speed-machine Antonee Robinson as a potential Luke Shaw replacement.
Another name to keep an eye on, meanwhile, is that of Juan Cabal.
Juventus paid £12.5 million to sign Cabal from Serie A outfit Hellas Verona as recently as June. But, according to Tutto Juve, Man United are already hot on the heels of a player who has featured for just over 200 minutes so far in that famous black and white shirt.
Whether Juventus would be willing to cash in so soon – only a few months into Cabal’s six-year contract – seems unlikely. The report adds that, even if Man United were to make their move in 2025, the Bianconeri would look to double their money by demanding upwards of £25 million.
But Man United’s scouts, Tutto Juve say, will continue watching Cabal’s development with a very keen eye.
Who is Juan Cabal?
Standing at 6ft 1ins, the Colombian powerhouse started out as a centre-half before transitioning into a wider role.
That versatility is likely to appeal to Man United, especially given the injury issues that have hit Shaw, Martinez and Tyrell Malacia hard in recent times.
Arriving in Italy back in 2022 from Atletico Nacional in his South American homeland, Cabal established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Italy while catching the eye of Juventus and Inter Milan.
After choosing the former over the latter, Cabal has spoken openly about the comfort he feels in both a full-back and a centre-half position. He idolises Real Madrid legend Marcelo, but also the iconic Juve centre-halves Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Fabio Cannavaro.
“Among the players I admired as a child, there is Marcelo, the full-back of Brazil,” Cabal told the Juventus website. “But over the years I have followed many to learn from them.
“In the defensive role, it makes no difference (if I play as a central defender or a left-back. “I like them both.
“For me, it’s truly a dream to have arrived at one of the biggest teams in the world. I’m working really hard to be able to become an important player like Chiellini, Bonucci or Cannavaro were.”
United have Amass in waiting
The lack of left-back signings at Man United for the time being, however, has led to much discussion that teen sensation Harry Amass could be the next to be given the Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho treatment under Ten Hag.
17-year-old Amass excelled in pre-season, embracing those comparisons with a young Shaw and earning the praise of Ten Hag.
Should United opt to step up their interest in either Robinson or Cabal, that may suggest they feel Amass would benefit from another year or two in the academy before he is competing for a spot in the first-team picture.
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