Man Utd consider shock move for out-of-favour Premier League left-backs

Manchester United have been dealt a massive blow with Luke Shaw expected to be sidelined for at least two months with a muscular injury. Back-up left-back Tyrell Malacia’s continued injury woes have exacerbated the situation, leaving manager Erik ten Hag with no choice but to field right-back Diogo Dalot at left-back against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Ideally, Ten Hag wants to try and secure a short-term signing to cover for the absences of both Shaw and Malacia and United have made contact with Chelsea over a potential deal for Marc Cucurella – who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. But he is not the only option on their shortlist, with the Manchester Evening News reporting that countryman Sergio Reguilon is also being discussed.

Who is Sergio Reguilon?

Reguilon is a 26-year-old left-back who has not played for Tottenham in over a year and spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid, though injuries restricted him to just 11 appearances in La Liga. He seems to have overcome his fitness issues and took a full part in pre-season with Spurs over the summer, though he does not appear to be part of Ange Postecoglou’s current thinking.

Youngster Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies have both been preferred and Reguilon has not made a matchday squad yet this season, though could be involved in the Carabao Cup against Fulham in midweek.

Why is United interested in Reguilon?

United are actually long-time admirers of Reguilon and tried to sign from Real Madrid three years ago but opted to bring in Alex Telles instead. Spurs are keen to offload Reguilon and had been in talks with Real Sociedad over a loan, though that was scuppered when the Spanish side opted to move for Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney instead.

Asked about the possibility of bringing in a new left-back before the window closes, Ten Hag said: ‘It can be [that United sign a left-back]. I think we always have to anticipate on situations. If there are opportunities then yes, but it has to be the right player otherwise we have to deal with the current squad. We went through the scenarios before the season and if it happened, we have the solution.’

What could be a stumbling block?

Although Spurs are happy to loan out the Spanish full-back, and he would jump at the chance to move to Old Trafford, it is understood that his salary demands could ultimately prove to be a stumbling block.

Conclusion

Manchester United are in desperate need of a left-back after suffering an injury crisis and have identified Marc Cucurella and Sergio Reguilon as potential solutions. While Cucurella is surplus to requirements at Chelsea, Reguilon has not made a matchday squad yet this season for Tottenham. His salary demands could prove to be a stumbling block, but United are long-time admirers of the 26-year-old and could make a move before the transfer window closes.