Manchester United could once again pursue a short-term solution at left-back by making a late move for a temporary signing, in a deal that would resemble their surprise acquisition of former Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon, according to Fabrizio Romano.United caught supporters off guard on summer deadline day in 2023 when they brought Reguilon in from Tottenham on a season-long loan.
The move was arranged after Luke Shaw suffered a muscle injury, leaving the club short of options on the left side of defense. Reguilon, however, made only 12 appearances for the Red Devils before United used a break clause in the agreement in January and returned the Spanish full-back to Tottenham.United have since added Patrick Dorgu and Diego Leon to their squad, yet their concerns at left-back have, remarkably, continued. The club still lacks a fully established option who can provide consistent defensive cover and contribute regularly in possession.Head coach Michael Carrick views Dorgu as better suited to a role as a left midfielder or left winger, rather than as a traditional full-back.
Leon, meanwhile, is only 19 years old and requires additional first-team experience before he can be expected to make a significant impact at Old Trafford. As a result, United need to secure another left-back before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, particularly because Shaw is likely to find it difficult to feature regularly in both the Premier League and the Champions League this term.The club’s preferred long-term target, Lewis Hall, is no longer expected to arrive until next summer, meaning United must consider an interim alternative.
Alejandro Balde also wants to remain at Barcelona, removing another possible option from their list of targets.Speaking on YouTube, Romano outlined how United could repeat the approach they used to sign Reguilon by completing a late, short-term deal during the final days of the transfer window. Such a move would give Carrick an experienced option while allowing the club to address its immediate injury and squad-depth problems without committing to a permanent signing before the summer.“I believe Manchester United could be particularly active during the final four or five days of the transfer window,” he said.
“I can guarantee that United are still searching for a solution at left-back, and the club is continuing to work on bringing in another player for that position.“I would not be surprised if they ultimately settle on a dependable option—perhaps not a superstar such as Balde, given that they have already considered Alejandro Balde.
United held discussions with Jorge Mendes one week ago, but the proposed deal would be too expensive, both in terms of the transfer fee and the player’s salary. At least for now, United are not prepared to pursue that move.“As a comparison, think back to when United signed Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham on loan.
They could look for something along similar lines.Man Utd want left-back with ‘international profile’ – Fabrizio Romano“Of course, I am not saying United will target exactly the same type of player again, but the profile could be comparable: an experienced left-back who can compete for playing time, provide reliable cover and bring an international background to the squad.“Manchester United are examining this type of opportunity, and left-back is expected to remain one of the areas they want to strengthen before the deadline. I expect them to make a signing in that position.
”United’s likely strategy is to add an affordable or younger left-back who can support Shaw during the current season, while keeping their interest in Hall alive and potentially renewing that pursuit next summer.
INEOS are reluctant to commit significant funds to a left-back this summer because doing so could restrict Hall’s playing time if he ultimately moves to Old Trafford in 2027. The club would rather add a short-term or lower-cost option who can provide competition and cover for Shaw without blocking Hall’s potential path into the team.RB Leipzig’s David Raum has been mentioned as a possible target.
Although the defender has acknowledged that he would be open to a transfer, his expected price of around £30m would make the deal comparable to a move for Balde and could prove too expensive for United’s current plans.Racing Santander prospect Jorge Salinas may offer a more affordable alternative. The 19-year-old has a €16m (£14m) release clause in his contract, giving United a clearly defined route to securing his signature.
Salinas has more experience than Leon, but he still lacks the big-game expertise that Romano has indicated United want from their next left-back.Meanwhile, United have reached a decision on whether to sign another striker, with Joshua Zirkzee moving closer to a return to Serie A.
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