Football Digest: Analysing Man Utd's failed recruitment
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could be forced into a last-minute emergency signing as he waits to discover the extent of Raphael Varane’s latest injury. The defender could be set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest and with the Dutchman already left short of options at the back, he may decide to bring in one more player before Friday’s transfer deadline.
The Red Devils have seen their plans change dramatically after injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia left them without a recognised left-back, and Ten Hag has already lined up three targets to resolve the issue before the transfer window closes.
But news that Varane has undergone a scan to examine his latest injury issue will be a cause for concern. Ten Hag only has Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire left as backup, having decided not to make a move for Benjamin Pavard, who is now joining Inter Milan.
According to The Guardian, the 53-year-old is waiting on Varane’s scan results before making a decision over whether to bring in a new left-back and potentially a centre-back too. Maguire has been informed he will not be leaving in this transfer window after snubbing a move to West Ham two weeks ago.
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Ten Hag had already been searching for another player after being left unimpressed with Diogo Dalot in an unfamiliar position at left-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka also looked far from convincing in the first half against Nottingham Forest as United found themselves 2-0 down.
Speculation persists that Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is ‘very close’ to joining United after falling out of favour under Mauricio Pochettino, with the Spaniard yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season.
The 25-year-old can play at either centre-back or left-back, which could resolve the problem Ten Hag is now facing if Varane is kept out of action beyond for weeks or months.
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However, Chelsea are unlikely to entertain a straight loan deal just 12 months after his £62million transfer from Brighton. What’s more, Cucurella’s performances have been largely disappointing since moving to Stamford Bridge, casting doubt over whether he should be the man to provide cover for the injured Shaw.
Ten Hag is also understood to be considering his compatriot Sergio Reguilon, who is expected to leave Tottenham after failing to secure a permanent move to Atletico Madrid, and former Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso. Brentford’s Rico Henry and free agent Ryan Bertrand have emerged on their radar as potential alternatives.
But with a tough trip to Arsenal on Sunday, United may need to move quickly to get their new signing registered in time to face the Gunners.
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