Man United to step up search for new full-backs amid uncertainty over Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s fitness – with Erik ten Hag’s side interested in Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui
- Man United’s 29-man squad left on Wednesday for a pre-season tour of the US
- Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Tyrrell Malacia were not among the travelling party
Manchester United will intensify their search for new full-backs this summer due to uncertainty on both sides of the defence.
United’s 29-man squad set off on Wednesday for a pre-season tour of the US without Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the only senior full-back on the trip, could be sold this summer amid interest from West Ham and Galatasaray.
United are considering signing a left-back amid ongoing concerns over Shaw’s fitness and the fact that Malacia is unlikely to return to action for the foreseeable future.
They have been on the lookout for a new right-back this summer to replace Wan-Bissaka, who is entering the final year of his contract. The 26-year-old is believed to be available for around £15million, five years after moving to Old Trafford from Crystal Palace in a £50million deal. United are interested in Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
As things stand, Dalot and Shaw will be the first choice full-backs. Dalot was one of United’s most consistent performers last season after signing a new five-year contract.
Manchester United want to intensify the search for new full-backs on both sides of the defence
This comes as concerns have arisen over the fitness of both Luke Shaw (left) and Tyrrell Malacia (right).
Man United are interested in signing Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui (pictured)
However, Shaw played just 15 games due to a hamstring injury and only recovered in time to make one start for England at Euro 2024.
Both players have a day off after the European Championship and were not included in United’s squad for the three-match tour of the US.
Malacia, meanwhile, has remained at Carrington to continue his rehabilitation after missing the entirety of last season due to double knee surgery.
The left-back position became United’s problem position in the absence of Shaw and Malacia – particularly after Sergio Reguilon returned to Tottenham at the end of his loan spell in January – with Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat all coming in as substitutes.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (pictured), the only experienced defender joining, could be sold this summer amid interest from West Ham and Galatasaray.
Central defender Lisandro Martinez could also play there, but the Argentine missed large parts of last season with injuries to his metatarsal, knee and calf.
Teenager Sam Murray has started United’s two pre-season friendlies against Trondheim and Rangers, and is expected to be first choice for the tour games against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.