Manchester United’s 1-2 defeat against Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals has amplified the need for United to sign a new left-back.
The inexperience of Brandon Williams and the injury problems of Luke Shaw has made this position a top priority for Manchester United in the transfer market.
While United are constantly trying to secure Jadon Sancho’s services, the Reds should not let the defense go untouched.
Let’s look at the three left-backs Manchester United could target to improve their defense.
#1 Alex Telles
United are keeping tabs on Telles for a long time now. He has been quietly putting in brilliant performances for Porto week in and week out without much recognition from the media.
An attacking left-back, the Brazilian is adept at creating chances as well as scoring goals. He can also play in an advanced role on the left, which means he can provide cover as well as offer width for the left winger to cut inside.
Telles is quick, doesn’t give away possession easily and rarely gives a yard of space for his opponents to exploit.
He could be a brilliant signing for Solksjaer and is available for a price tag rumoured to be in the region of €25m- 35m.
#2 Ben Chilwell
Chilwell has been catching the eye of all the biggest clubs in England with his stellar performances for the Foxes.
Chilwell is an athletic full-back with an inherent fitness that allows him to be effective in all four phases of play. Though not blessed with blistering pace like Jordi Alba or Alex Sandro, Chilwell is no slouch, which in the attacking phase, enables him to travel seamlessly into advanced positions without being exposed and exploited.
Chilwell’s natural left-foot allows him to operate comfortably in tight 3v2s, 1v1s that develop in the game and is known for attacking the byline with vigor throughout the game.
Chilwell could be masterstroke signing for Solksjaer, with his attacking capabilities complementing the United wingers and his defensive skill and pace allowing him to track back quickly in the case of a counter-attack.
Manchester United should look to sign him, but a price tag of €70 million might be difficult to meet. Rivals Chelsea are keen on signing Chilwell too.
#3 David Alaba
The Bayern Munich left-back is one of the best in the world on any given day. He is renowned throughout Europe for his world-class attacking skills and.
A defender who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, Alaba is known for dazzling his opponents with his quick pace and skill moves.
He is versatile and looks at home in nearly all of the places in his team. He can recycle possession, make darting runs, pick out his teammates in promising positions and make dangerous crosses into the opposition box all game long.
Due to injuries to Nicklas Sule and Lucas Hernandez earlier this season, Alphonso Davies being a breakout phenomenon at left-back, Alaba also has the experience of playing at CB in big games which could come handy to Manchester United in case they ever need him.
Alaba’s contract runs out in 2021 and Bayern Munich is ready to cash in on him this summer for a fee of €40 million. This is a dream scenario for United and they should look to complete this signing as soon as possible.
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