Manchester United have ruled out signing David Alaba, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Alaba was released by Real Madrid at the end of last season and is currently a free agent. As a free agent, the 34-year-old could provide immediate reinforcement for teams needing cover at centre-back or left-back.

However, the Red Devils, who are seeking a new left-back to challenge Luke Shaw, will not pursue the Austrian player.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United decided against Alaba because the club believes his form has declined.

During his time at Bayern Munich, Alaba was included in UEFA's Team of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2015. He was also named in La Liga's Team of the Season when he helped Real Madrid win the La Liga title in the 2021/22 season.

However, Alaba has been plagued by injuries in recent years, most notably an anterior cruciate ligament tear in December 2023. Over the past three seasons, Alaba's injury problems have been significant, causing him to miss a total of 109 games for club and country.

These injuries ultimately relegated the 34-year-old to a fringe player at Real Madrid last season, where he made just 16 appearances in all competitions, of which only six were starts.

However, at the World Cup, he started all four of Austria's matches and captained the team to the last 16, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

In addition to concerns about Alaba's declining physical condition, the Red Devils are also looking at younger left-back options. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall was once at the top of Manchester United's transfer list, but the Magpies made it clear he would not be sold.

Barcelona's Balde and RB Leipzig's Raum are also considered alternatives. Although Manchester United want to sign a new left-back, the club has not completed any signings this summer.

This means Shaw must stay fit, especially after Manchester United's return to the Champions League. Last season, Shaw started all 38 of Manchester United's Premier League games, but his injury history suggests that was more of an exception than the norm. Due to a series of different muscle injuries, the 31-year-old has made only 12 appearances for the Red Devils this season and only 15 in the previous season.

So far this season, Shaw has started all three of Manchester United's matches, providing an assist in the team's 2-2 draw with Everton last Sunday.

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