United scramble for a left-back as the summer transfer window enters its final hours

Manchester United are racing against the 11pm transfer deadline to sign a left-back, with Luke Shaw currently the club’s only recognised senior option in that position heading into the new campaign.

United have made three midfield additions this summer — Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba — but the left-back slot has remained unresolved throughout the window. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was considered a priority target, yet no official bid was submitted, and interest in Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has also faded.

Noussair Mazraoui, who came on for Shaw during Sunday’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, is not considered a long-term solution at left-back given his natural preference for the right side.

MEN Sport’s chief United writer Tyrone Marshall, speaking on the Manchester is Red podcast, said manager Michael Carrick made his desire for further business clear. “He did say that they are a better squad and a better team for the business they have done, but I think he wants more, and they need more,” Marshall said. “The priority for me has to be a left-back. They need someone in that position who can compete with and cover for Luke Shaw.”

Marshall acknowledged that a permanent, long-term signing now looks unlikely before the window shuts, with a loan deal the most probable outcome. “It just doesn’t look good for an elite-level club to do so little business in the window that they are signing loan players on deadline day,” he said. “But that might be where United are.”

United’s transfer business this summer has been notably more discreet than in previous windows, with the Santos and Tielemans deals completed quickly and without prolonged public speculation. Marshall noted that an unknown name could still emerge. “It is not impossible that there is a name out there that they are looking at which we are not aware of,” he said.

However, he stressed that whoever arrives must be capable of contributing meaningfully, not merely filling a squad slot. “The reality is, whoever they sign will probably need to start 10-15 games at least. If Shaw gets injured, maybe that number goes up. It can’t just be a body in.”

United have until 11pm to complete any further business.