Man Utd line up shock target after Luke Shaw injury confirmed and fans are not convinced
Manchester United are reportedly considering an unexpected defender to fill in for Luke Shaw during his injury layoff.The club has confirmed that Shaw sustained a calf injury during pre-season training and will be sidelined until at least the September international break. Shaw has been absent since February due to a hamstring issue but did make a return to play 120 minutes for England in the Euro 2024 final in July.
The Athletic reports that United had been exploring the acquisition of a new left-sided centre-back and left-back before Shaw’s injury became known.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s initial period as a minority owner has focused largely on younger talents, with 18-year-old Leny Yoro joining for £52 million.
However, United are now eyeing a player in the later stages of his career—former Barcelona left-back Marcos Alonso.
According to The Athletic, discussions have taken place about bringing the Spaniard to Old Trafford following his release from Barcelona this summer.
Alonso was also linked with a move to United last summer, but Erik ten Hag’s side chose to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham instead.
Alonso enjoyed a successful stint at Chelsea, contributing to their 2016/17 Premier League title win and scoring 29 goals in six years at Stamford Bridge. However, concerns about his technical skills and his suitability for a five-defender formation—a system Ten Hag does not use—have been noted.
The link to Alonso has met with mixed reactions from fans. Some are skeptical, with one fan commenting, “He’s 33!” and another noting, “They haven’t learned… maybe the hard way.” Another remarked, “It’s going to be a Manchester United are reportedly considering bringing in veteran left-back Marcos Alonso as a temporary solution to cover for Luke Shaw during his injury layoff. Shaw, who has been dealing with injuries since February, recently sustained a calf injury during pre-season training that will sideline him until at least the September international break.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership focusing on signing younger talents like Leny Yoro, the potential acquisition of Alonso represents a shift in strategy. Alonso, who was recently released by Barcelona, has significant Premier League experience from his successful time at Chelsea, where he contributed to their 2016/17 title win.
While Alonso’s experience could be valuable, there are concerns about his fit in Erik ten Hag’s system, which typically does not employ a five-defender formation—a setup Alonso is more accustomed to. His age, 33, has also raised doubts among fans, with some expressing skepticism about the move. The mixed reactions suggest that while Alonso could bring experience to the squad, there are valid concerns about whether he is the right fit for United at this stage.
