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Manchester United are once again grappling with a left-back crisis, a recurring problem in recent years. Luke Shaw is out with an unspecified injury, and Tyrell Malacia, who recently returned after a lengthy absence, has struggled to regain his form.

In the recent 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, Malacia was substituted at halftime after a difficult performance, during which he had trouble defending against Justin Kluivert, who won and converted a penalty for Bournemouth’s second goal. This led some fans to call for Malacia to be permanently excluded from the team.

The situation is worsened by Diogo Dalot’s inconsistent performances and manager Ruben Amorim’s preference for a system featuring three central defenders and two wing-backs. Unfortunately, United currently lack suitable players for these wide roles, with Noussair Mazraoui being the closest option, though he is more comfortable on the right than the left.

United Set Sights on Theo Hernandez

To address their left-back dilemma, Manchester United are reportedly planning a move for AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. The 27-year-old French international, under contract with Milan until 2026, has recently fallen out of favor with manager Paolo Fonseca.

Hernandez was benched for Milan’s victory over Hellas Verona and did not play at all in the match against Genoa. According to MilanLive, Hernandez’s agent has met with the club, but contract negotiations have stalled, leading to increased speculation about his departure. MilanLive suggests there is a “very high” chance Hernandez will leave soon, and United are reportedly preparing to make a move to secure his signature.

Valued at £42 million, Hernandez is considered one of the best left-backs in the world and would be a major upgrade for United. He was recently praised by Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who Hernandez matched in September by scoring his 29th goal for the club—tying Maldini’s record for goals scored by a defender.

Hernandez celebrated the milestone on Instagram, writing: “Victory and 29 goals with Milan. Pleased to equal my idol, Paolo Maldini. Forza Milan.” Maldini humorously replied, “Grande Theo. The small difference is that I did it over 25 years; it took you just five! You are special.”

Manchester United’s ongoing left-back crisis has pushed the club to intensify its efforts to sign AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez in the January transfer window. The French international could provide a crucial solution to a problem that has plagued the team in recent seasons, particularly with injuries and underperformances from current options Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Diogo Dalot.

### **Current Left-Back Situation**
1. **Luke Shaw**: Sidelined with an unspecified injury, leaving a significant gap in United’s defense.
2. **Tyrell Malacia**: Struggling to regain form after a lengthy absence, with his poor performance against Bournemouth drawing fan criticism.
3. **Diogo Dalot**: Inconsistent and less effective in Ruben Amorim’s preferred wing-back system.
4. **Noussair Mazraoui**: Primarily a right-sided player, not an ideal fit for the left wing-back role.

### **Theo Hernandez: A Prime Target**
United’s interest in Hernandez comes as the Frenchman faces an uncertain future at AC Milan.
– **Contract Situation**: Under contract until 2026 but stalled renewal talks suggest a potential exit.
– **Recent Developments**: Left out of the starting lineup in key Milan games, raising questions about his role under manager Paolo Fonseca.
– **Market Value**: Valued at £42 million, Hernandez is considered one of the best left-backs globally, renowned for his attacking prowess, defensive capabilities, and ability to operate as a wing-back.

### **Why Hernandez Fits United’s Needs**
1. **Adaptability**: Hernandez’s ability to excel as both a traditional left-back and an attacking wing-back makes him ideal for Amorim’s system.
2. **Proven Quality**: With **29 goals for Milan**, he has matched Paolo Maldini’s scoring record for defenders, highlighting his offensive contribution.
3. **Physical and Tactical Attributes**: His pace, strength, and technical skills would significantly bolster United’s left flank.

### **Challenges in Securing Hernandez**
– **Competition**: Other elite clubs might enter the race if Milan signals a willingness to sell.
– **Finances**: While £42 million is a reasonable fee for a player of his caliber, United must navigate their January budget wisely, given other pressing needs.
– **Milan’s Stance**: AC Milan may demand a higher fee or resist selling to avoid weakening their squad mid-season.

### **Potential Impact of Hernandez’s Signing**
Bringing in Hernandez could transform United’s left side, addressing the defensive frailties and adding a dynamic offensive dimension. His experience and leadership would also elevate the squad’s overall quality, offering balance to Amorim’s tactical approach.

With United’s season at a critical juncture, the signing of Theo Hernandez could prove decisive in stabilizing their defense and reigniting their push for success in both domestic and European competitions. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as the January transfer window approaches.