Following an agreement with Tyrell Malacia for the left-back to join the club, Manchester United’s plans for their other left-back options have emerged.
Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has revealed Manchester United’s plans for their remaining left-back choices, with the position becoming overly statured with options.
It appears as though Luke Shaw will cement his position as the starting choice at left-back under Erik ten Hag, with the Englishman undoubtedly desperate to prove himself to the new manager, following an underwhelming 2021/22 campaign.
The 26 year-old only managed 27 appearances throughout the season due to several injuries that prevented him from getting a consistent number of games and playing himself into a good run of form.
Advert
The removal of screws from his double leg fracture over six years ago ruled Shaw out for the best part of a month in April, with coronavirus and concussion also keeping the fullback out of the squad.
Regardless of his injury record, Shaw’s performances when he was present in the side were far from the level required at Manchester United.
Shaw was only able to contribute three assists from an attacking standpoint in the Premier League, whilst conceding 24 goals in 20 appearances and only three clean sheets.
Advert
Despite the disappointing campaign last term, Shaw has proved his quality for the England national team on numerous occasions, most notably in Euro 2020, where Shaw scored the opening goal of the final against Italy.
Fans will be desperate to see Erik ten Hag unlock this level of performance from Shaw, with the fullback yet to hit his prime years.
While there is an air of optimism surrounding Shaw, the same can not be said for Alex Telles.
Luckhurst added in his report that Erik ten Hag doesn’t consider Telles to be a credible option at left-back and far from the standard required at the club.
Telles, like Shaw, endured a tough 2021/22 campaign, with his second season at the club doing little to build upon an equally poor debut season at Old Trafford.
Advert
An apparent lack of ability on the ball, coupled with poor defensive awareness and a failure to use his touted ability on set pieces led to many at Old Trafford being disappointed with the Brazilian's performances.
While he was able to rack up 26 appearances across last season, it is expected this will not be repeated next season, as Ten Hag looks to bring in a replacement in the form of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.
Malacia’s expected arrival could signal the end of what can be roundly considered a disappointing tenure at Old Trafford for Telles.
The Brazilian will be desperate to play consistent football in the coming season as he tries to secure his place in the Brazil squad ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar.
Advert
After both Shaw and Telles, comes Brandon Williams in the left-back pecking order, having returned from his season long loan at Norwich.
Williams’ loan at Norwich was neither a rounding success or failure, with Norwich expectedly relegated from the Premier League during his loan spell.
The 21 year-old was able to secure good playing time at Premier League level, with this likely doing a number of positive things for the defender going forward into the future. 29 appearances across the season for Norwich will aid the player’s development going forward.
Advert
However, Williams is far from a competitive option at left-back, with Malacia’s arrival making Williams effectively fourth choice in his position.
It was reported however that William’s was already seeking an exit from Old Trafford through either a loan or permanent move, meaning that Malacia’s arrival is having little impact on his decision.
In addition, Richard Fay of the MEN has clarified the position of young full-back Alvaro Fernandez, who impressed with the youth team last season.
He was named the Player of the Season for the Under-23s and pushed himself into the matchday squads for the first-team in a number of games towards the end of last season.
Fay's report says that United are now open to loaning the teenager out next season, as they look to continue his fine development. Several Championship clubs are already said to be keen in his services.
Although, Ten Hag will give the final decision on the defender, he's expected to give him chances throughout pre-season.
Overall, it looks as though Malacia’s arrival will spell the end for both Telles and Williams at Old Trafford, through either loan or permanent moves.
While Fernandez's development is seen to be important at United, with an option to go on loan and find consistent minutes at a first-team level.
It will be interesting to see how Erik ten Hag navigates the wills of these players moving forward into pre-season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams, Football, Premier League
