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Last season, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was forced to tweak his backline almost every week due to an unprecedented injury crisis at the club.
Left-back was one of the worst affected with Luke Shaw missing 36 games throughout the campaign while backup full-back Tyrell Malacia was forced to miss the entire season.
The situation got so bad that the manager was forced to play Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, both right-backs by trade, in that position during the business-end of the season.
Earlier on in the campaign, Ten Hag turned to centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to plug that gap.
LB issues last season
In fact, Malacia is yet to begin pre-season training and the club are yet to provide a timeline regarding his potential return. Shaw, busy with England at the Euros, is expected to take a long break and thus, United are once again staring at the possibility of starting the season without a recognised left-back.
The Red Devils are eager to recruit a new left-back ahead of the new season but are unlikely to sanction a big-money deal considering the reinforcements required all across the pitch.
The club has been linked with moves for Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth, Miguel Gutierrez of Girona, Ferdi Kadıoğlu of Fenerbahce and even Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell.
However. Football Insider have sensationally claimed that the 20-time English league champions are inclined towards bringing back Sergio Reguilon to the club, this time on a permanent deal.
The Spaniard was brought in on loan last summer but only lasted half a season with United terminating his loan deal as both Shaw and Malacia were nearing fitness at that stage. It proved to be a disastrous decision in the end.
The Tottenham Hotspur man was not excellent during his short-term stay but did display plenty of attacking intent and passion but niggling injuries did not help his case.
Spurs are keen to get rid and are asking for around £10 million, a huge hit on their initial £32 million investment. And the Spain international already knows what Ten Hag demands and would slot right in and would need little to no time to adjust to his new surroundings.
Reguilon again
“Man United will offer Sergio Reguilon a route back to Old Trafford this summer as they plot a move to sign him. Reguilon could provide a more straightforward option after spending six months on loan at the club last season.
“The Spaniard wouldn’t need time to settle in due to his past experiences, and sources say the Premier League giants could sign Reguilon at a cut price.
“Even though Spurs initially signed Reguilon for £32 million, Football Insider revealed they’re willing to make a huge loss and sell him for around £10 million. That’s because Reguilon is not part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans, with the Spurs boss wanting him off the books.”
Having a decent backup for Shaw would be a wise investment considering Malacia’s injury malaise. United could do better than the former Real Madrid star but at this price point, they are unlikely to get anyone more competent.
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