Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag set to turn to former Ajax star in bid to solve left-back crisis

Manchester United are interested in signing former Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as manager Erik ten Hag searches for defensive reinforcements.

United are in the market for a new left-back following the muscular injury suffered by Luke Shaw.

Diogo Dalot slotted into the role for Saturday's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, although the Portuguese defender is also needed as cover for Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the opposite flank.

Alvaro Fernandez was named on the bench on Saturday, but he has been linked with a potential loan move to La Liga side Granada and it is unclear whether the injury crisis will lead to his stay at the club.

United have been linked with moves for Barcelona's Marcos Alonso, Chelsea's Marc Cucurella and England international Ryan Bertrand, who is currently a free agent after leaving Leicester.

Now, another option has reportedly emerged.

Man Utd 'interested in Nicolas Tagliafico'

According to Fabrizio Romano, United have placed Tagliafico, an Argentina international, onto their shortlist of left-back options.

The 30-year-old, who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Lyon, worked under Ten Hag for four years at Ajax between 2018 and 2022.

He made over 150 appearances for the Dutch club, winning five trophies and working his way into the Argentina setup. He lifted the World Cup in Qatar last year, playing the full match in both the semi-final and final of the competition after replacing Marcos Acuna.

Romano tweeted: "Manchester United are still discussing internally about best option for new left-back.

"Contacts took place today again for Cucurella, also Marcos Alonso and [Sergio] Reguilon remain in list.

"United also called to ask for conditions for Tagliafico deal, well known by Ten Hag."

Manchester United are still discussing internally about best option for new left back 🚨🔴 #MUFC

Contacts took place today again for Cucurella, also Marcos Alonso and Reguilón remain in list.

United also called to ask for conditions for Tagliafico deal, well known by Ten Hag. pic.twitter.com/rRDxCq2LRT

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2023

Speaking ahead of United's win over Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag appeared to indicate that he had the squad depth to able to cope with Shaw's injury and fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia's ongoing recovery from a separate problem.

He said: "Definitely, we have the solutions in our squad to cope with that. We thought before the season about this scenario, it could happen, you hope to avoid.

"But if it happens, you have to be ready for it."