Manchester United is grappling with an extensive roster of injured players at the start of the 2023/24 season. Luke Shaw, the team’s left-back, has recently joined the list of the injured. Shaw has incurred a muscle injury that might keep him on the sidelines for an extended period of time, further exacerbating United’s woes.
Luke Shaw has been excellent for Erik Ten hag, and his muscle injury is a big blow for the club. With Tyrell Malacia also injured, Machester United now looks to Chelsea’s £56M reject as a temporal replacement.
Manchester United target Chelsea LB
Manchester United already has a long list of injured players, and the 2023/24 season has barely begun. Luke Shaw, United’s left-back, has joined the likes of Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and so on after suffering a muscle injury that could keep him sidelined for months.
Originally it was feared that it would only take a few weeks till Luke Shaw’s return to the squad. Speaking on his injury, the United manager said, “The muscle issue is still being assessed, but the England left-back is expected to be out of action for a number of weeks.”
Now, it seems like Shaw will be out for even longer than Mount. According to Evening Standard, the two 8-year-old British International could be out for at least two months, leaving United significantly short on senior options for the left-sided defense.
Manchester United possesses a potential alternative for the left-back position in the young Spanish defender Alvaro Fernandez. Additionally, during their 3-2 victory over Forest in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday, the versatile right-back Diogo Dalot temporarily filled in on the opposite flank. However, these options will not suffice if United must compete competitively in all competitions this season.
Therefore, the Red Devils are considering a few left-back options, including Chelsea’s Cucurella. However, it is unclear at this stage if Chelsea would be willing to sanction the Spaniard’s move to a top-flight rival. Olympique Lyon’s Argentine LB Nicolas Tagliafico could also be a potential candidate.
Manchester United are still discussing internally about best option for new left back 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Contacts took place today again for Cucurella, also Marcos Alonso and Reguilón remain in list.
United also called to ask for conditions for Tagliafico deal, well known by Ten Hag. pic.twitter.com/rRDxCq2LRT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2023
Luke Shaw’s injury update
Manchester United’s left-back, Luke Shaw, who has been excellent in the Ten Hag regime with 27 appearances last season, is now set to be sidelined following a muscle injury.
As published on the United website, there is no concrete time decided yet for his return as the injury is still under necessary assessment. “Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has sustained an injury which will rule him out of forthcoming games.
“The muscle issue is still being assessed, but the England left-back is expected to be out of action for a number of weeks.”
In his presser before the Nottingham Forest game, Erik Ten Hag reiterated that Luke Shaw would be out longer than Mason Mount. “No, but what I said, Luke will be longer. And Mason, I think quicker.”
Manchester United is now hoping to either sign Cucurella on loan or search for other left-back options as a replacement is necessary if they must solidify their start for the season. Do you think the Red Devils should pursue Cucurella? Make sure to let us know in the comments section.
