‘Man United prioritising two positions in January ahead of left-back’ – Insider
Man United are not prioritising the signing of a new left-back in the January transfer window, despite conflicting reports, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during their most successful period and remains very well-connected there, has exclusively told Football Insider that the transfer team will address other “problem positions” first.
Brown explained that new left-backs are being tracked and it is a position they are interested in, but the position is not the club’s priority as things stand.
Both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been used as makeshift left-backs so far this season, leading United to assess their options in the transfer market.
However, the return of both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia from long-term injuries is said to have taken place at the perfect time, and Amorim will give both a chance to establish themselves.
Man United transfer priority under Ruben Amorim revealed
Man United’s financial situation will now allow room for heavy backing in January, meaning they will have to prioritise key positions to add to their squad.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked in the scouting departments of the likes of Tottenham, West Ham and Aston Villa, insisted Amorim has already flagged other positions ahead of the window.
“Yes, they’ve been looking for new options at left-back,” he told Football Insider.
“But from what I hear, it’s not at the top of their list of priorities.
“There are other positions which have already been flagged for potential improvements given the current options available to Amorim.
“Obviously, Dalot and Mazraoui have been filling in there for most of the season so far.
“But Luke Shaw’s return has come at the perfect time, especially if he can stay fit.
“He’s a key player there and, when fully fit, is so important both for United and for England.
“Malacia has come back from his long-term injury, too, and he’ll be given a chance to prove himself.
“And, of course since we’ve spoken about him before, they’ve got Harry Amass coming through who they’ve got very high hopes for.
“So there isn’t any desperation to land a new left-back immediately, and I’d expect them to look at a couple of other problem positions first.”
In other news, Van Nistelrooy agrees to be Leicester manager – with United staff joining him.
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