Sources: Man United's 'surprise' left-back transfer plan revealed
Man United are planning to delay their search for a new left-back signing until next summer rather than in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils identified left-back as a position they wanted to bolster following the end of last term after qualifying for the Champions League.
Luke Shaw proved his fitness by starting every Premier League game in 2025-26, but Michael Carrick was keen to add competition to the position amid plans to deploy Patrick Dorgu more regularly in attack.
United failed to bring in a new left-back before the deadline passed on Tuesday, however, following links to several targets over the summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, they are unlikely to look for a new signing there in January, which will surprise many of the club's followers, and instead will aim to bolster the position next summer.
Shaw is set to keep his starting place in the meantime as the only senior, recognised left-back at the club.
Man United make new left-back plan after failed summer search
Sources revealed to Football Insider last month that United were targeting a move for Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys after being told that they would not be able to sign Lewis Hall, but he remained in Belgium.
The likes of Dorgu, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can deputise in Shaw's absence, with Carrick content at his options for the rest of the campaign.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I'm sure there is a plan in place at Old Trafford, obviously the main focus this summer was to rebuild the midfield, which they have done with their new signings. Last year they brought in new attacking players in Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo, so I'm sure the next focus will be on the defence.
"It'll be hard to sign their top targets in the upcoming January window, because nobody wants to lose their best players midway through the season, but I'm sure United will revisit their left-back options in next summer’s window because they do need to find a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw."
Carrick has hinted at Dorgu returning to left-back with Shaw
Dorgu arrived at United from Lecce in January 2025 as a left-back, but has only ever played at wing-back and as a winger in English football.
He proved his quality further forward last term, registering eight goal contributions in 15 league starts, but could be set to compete with Shaw this season.
Carrick hinted at such a move in a press conference on Friday, saying: "He can play left-back. He's that type where he can do a number of things. I'm certainly not saying he can't do that at all. It's something he can, we just haven't had to explore that.
"At some point, we might have to, at some point he might do that. He can do that, absolutely no problem. There are times in training when he does it. And then he's only young, being such a young age and having the attributes that he's got, we've just got to keep trying to get the most out of him."