Manchester United might have got back to winning ways against Ipswich on Sunday, but the performance did highlight one area Ineos needs to strengthen before the transfer deadline.
Old Trafford was treated to an absolute classic this past weekend as Manchester United beat Ipswich 5-2 to get three points on the board and somewhat make up for the opening day defeat to Hull City.
Michael Carrick will have been really encouraged with how his side performed, but the head coach will also be aware that there is a lot of work to do before this United side is ready to be involved in a title race.
Ineos will also be aware of this, as one problematic position was once again highlighted as a real weak spot, in which United needs to strengthen before the transfer deadline slams shut.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
As good as United looked going forward, at the back, there are serious concerns to be had, most notably at left-back with Luke Shaw.
The long-serving defender was left for dead by Abdul Fatawu as he raced by en-route to creating Ipswich’s first goal of the day.
It wasn’t an issue that was in isolation, as Shaw’s lack of mobility and athleticism has long been a concern, but it has been more noticeable through pre-season and now at the start of the season.
Shaw’s inability to get back has cost United and will continue to prove costly until a replacement and successor is signed.
All summer long, a left-back has been on the list of priorities, with Lewis Hall viewed as the dream addition before proving unattainable. Yet in the past few days, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that United are guaranteed to sign a left-back before the window shuts, and Carrick will be hoping this is the case.
Shaw cannot be relied upon this season; he is neither good enough nor physically able to play a full season in a full-back role. Shaw was poor against Ipswich, but the timing is maybe even good for United.
It shows Ineos that they can’t ignore signing a left-back this summer, and now the race is on.
While Shaw was on paper United’s quickest player against Ipswich, he didn’t show this when it mattered, and he almost certainly won’t be able to do it all season injury-free.
But this late in the window, what options do United actually have?
Well, Harry Amass is still at the club, and should Shaw get injured, he would be the next one up. He is a great talent and ready to play a role, but starting every week may be a push right now.
One option United could yet swoop for is Antonee Robinson from Fulham, who might be available for cheap this summer and has been linked long-term.
Another option is Joaquin Seys of Club Brugge, more of a long-term project player, but absolutely a good choice.
A final option is Alejandro Balde of Barcelona, who seems to be in a weird situation right now where Hansi Flick isn’t playing him, while Jorge Salinas is another option in Spain.
It will be one of these three, or someone completely left-field. One thing is certain: United needs to get someone.
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