Manchester United entered the summer transfer window with the intention of signing a proven and dynamic Luke Shaw alternative before ultimately settling for natural right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
Now, they’re unsurprisingly paying the price, as Shaw has suffered yet another setback despite only returning to action against Ipswich Town on November 24.
He has featured three times in total this season, all of which were half-hour cameos off the bench, meaning his last club start came 10 months ago in an away clash with Luton Town on February 18.
It’s a sad state of affairs with the 29-year-old. When fit and in form, he’s undoubtedly one of the best left-backs in Europe, but fans rarely get to reap the benefits of his abilities, given how little he’s actually available.
United face stern competition in Milos Kerkez pursuit
Nonetheless, some of the names being considered to fulfil the role on a long-term basis include Alphonso Davies, Theo Hernandez and Milos Kerkez, the latter of which has been deemed one of United’s ‘main options‘.
Liverpool already had the Bournemouth starlet on their shortlist amid Andy Robertson’s declining form, and the two Premier League rivals could now see their plans scuppered by the reigning European champions, according to Defensa Central.
Kerkez, valued upwards of £40 million by the Cherries, has already notched one goal and two assists in 14 appearances this season. What’s more impressive is that both assists were registered in Bournemouth’s shock 2-1 win over Manchester City last month.
Alas, there’s no doubt that Andona Iraola and the board will be doing their utmost to keep hold of the ‘explosive’ 21-year-old for as long as possible, especially given that he’s contracted to the Vitality Stadium until June 2028.
Whether any of the three interested clubs will ignite their pursuit next month remains to be seen – it certainly wouldn’t go amiss for INEOS to get in there early and bolster Amorim’s options for the second half of the campaign.
