Luke Shaw's injury 'worse than first feared' as Man Utd 'target' 34-year-old free agent as replacement

Manchester United have targeted a 34-year-old free agent as Luke Shaw's replacement, it has been claimed.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United fear Shaw could be out for up to two months with a muscular injury.

Although the club have claimed the player is out for "a number of weeks" the publication have reported his injury is worse than first thought.

In turn, United are in the market for a left-back, with the club currently without a senior player in that position. Tyrell Malacia returned to United in July with an unspecified injury and is still sidelined while Brandon Williams joined Ipswich Town on a season-long loan on Thursday.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Alvaro Fernandez is available, but the inexperienced defender has been linked with a move to La Liga side Granada in the past few days.

And United are said to be interested in some surprising names as they look to replace Shaw in the short-to-medium term.

Indeed, according to Stretty News free agent Ryan Bertrand has emerged a shock option for United.

The left-back is currently training with Chelsea’s loan development squad in an attempt to maintain his fitness ahead of any potential transfer.

And according to the publication Bertrand is one of the left-backs being considered by United, with the club having held initial discussions with the player’s entourage over a possible move.

Should a transfer materialise, Bertrand would become the second player from Leicester City's relegated side, after Jonny Evans, to secure a move to Old Trafford this summer. Both left the King Power Stadium in June upon the expiry of their contracts.

Diogo Dalot, who has experience of playing at left-back, is the most likely option to start there for United's Premier League visit of Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Meanwhile, left-footer Lisandro Martinez is another option.

While United have spent some £179.2million on Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund this summer, they have been plagued by several injuries.

Kobbie Mainoo is out with an ankle problem, Hojlund is recovering from a stress hotspot fracture in his back while Mount and Shaw picked up muscular injuries this week.

Topics: Manchester United, Luke Shaw, Southampton, Ashley Young, Erik Ten Hag

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.