Manchester United should look at the possibility of signing free-agent Mario Hermoso.
The Red Devils recently agreed deals to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich and an announcement could be made on Monday.
A holding midfielder seems the next priority for the club, but we believe United should also attempt to bolster the left side of the defence.
With the budget being limited, Hermoso would be a solid acquisition for United on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old is predominantly a central defender, but can also operate from the left-back role. He has made over 50 appearances from the position.
United currently have Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as their specialist left-backs, but the latter has been sidelined for the last 14 months with a knee issue.
Shaw has also been unreliable with his fitness and manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that he can never play 60 games a season after his horrific leg break.
Lisandro Martinez was tried in the Community Shield yesterday, but he struggled from the position. He is most comfortable building up play from centre-back.
Hence, United need someone who is more experienced in the role. Merino would be a shrewd signing with his good distribution and positional awareness.
The Spanish ace played in a back three at Atletico last term. He was typically a left-back when in possession and should comfortably slot in the role.
Hermoso, who won the La Liga title with Atletico in 2020/21, is eyeing a three-year deal worth £99,000 per week. United have made initial contact with him.
We believe the club should proceed and recruit him before other elite European clubs meet his demands.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
