ICONIC! Rasmus Højlund gets the starting no. 9 jersey for Manchester United

 

 

 

 

 

With the health of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still up in the air, Manchester United will ramp up their search for replacement fullbacks. Erik ten Hag’s team is interested in Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich

United will step up their pursuit of new full-backs this summer as they face uncertainty in their defense on both sides.

Without Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, and Tyrell Malacia, United’s 29-man squad departed on a pre-season tour of the United States on Wednesday. Interest from West Ham and Galatasaray has led to speculation that the sole senior full-back on the trip, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, could be moved this summer.

United will think about adding a left back to their roster because of the persistent injury issues surrounding Shaw and the lack of an expected recovery from Malacia.

With Wan-Bissaka’s contract coming to a close, they have been looking for a replacement right back all summer. Five years after joining Old Trafford from Crystal Palace for £50 million, the 26-year-old would be available for roughly £15 million. United are considering a move for Noussair Mazraoui, a right defender for Bayern Munich.

The current situation dictates that Dalot and Shaw will start at fullback. After agreeing to a new five-year deal, Dalot became one of United’s most reliable performances last year.Nevertheless, Shaw was only able to make 15 appearances before suffering hamstring injuries. He didn’t fully recover until England’s 2024 Euro, when he made his only start of the tournament.

Neither player was selected to represent United in the three-game US tour since they are taking a break following the Euros.

After missing the entire season due to double knee surgery, Malacia has remained at Carrington to continue his rehabilitation.

United struggled to settle into a rhythm at left defense without Shaw and Malacia, especially following Sergio Reguilon’s January loan return to Tottenham. Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat all saw action in that position.

Also capable of playing there is Argentine center defender Lisandro Martinez, who was out for much of last season with ailments to his knee, calf, and metatarsal bones.

Sam Murray, a teenage sensation, has started both of United’s preseason friendly so far (against Trondheim and Rangers) and is likely to start for the first team in the tour’s matches against Real Betis, Liverpool, and Arsenal.