Manchester United failed to sign a left-back this summer, and now manager Michael Carrick must assess which players in the squad can fill that position. Manchester Evening News notes that Baleba and six others could play left-back, covering for Luke Shaw when necessary.

In the final days of the summer transfer window, Manchester United searched for a left-back, and one of the most surprising inquiries came from their city rivals.

Manchester United's inquiry to Manchester City about loaning out Ait-Nouri demonstrates the club's transfer department was willing to think outside the box when searching for players for this position.

After their bid for Lewis Hall was rejected this summer, CEO Omar Berrrada and football director Jason Wilcox continued to pursue targets, with Alejandro Balde, Jan Maatsen, and Ait-Nouri on their shortlist.

Ultimately, the club failed to find a suitable player to strengthen the squad, meaning Michael Carrick has only one natural left-back for the new season.

Luke Shaw played all 38 Premier League matches last season, but his form at the start of this season leaves much to be desired. The 31-year-old needs to prove his body can withstand a more intense schedule.

Even if he remains healthy, Shaw cannot start every match, so Michael Carrick must prepare alternatives. Here is an overview of the available options in the squad.

Noussair Mazraoui

This Moroccan veteran's natural position is right-back, where he serves as cover for Diogo Dalot, so he also needs to cover the right flank. However, Michael Carrick tried playing Leny Yoro at right-back during pre-season, and it showed some promise.

Noussair Mazraoui is likely the primary candidate to replace Shaw. He plays left-back for Morocco, with Hakimi on the right, and has performed well in this temporary role at the World Cup.

The 28-year-old has played left-back nine times for Manchester United and has also played centre-back, right-back, and even attacking midfielder on occasion, demonstrating enough versatility to adapt to various tactical needs.

Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot overcame a difficult start to last season and has re-established himself as the primary right-back, feeling more comfortable in a four-back system than as a wing-back.

Moving him to the left would create an obvious gap on the right flank, but he has played left-back multiple times during his eight years at Old Trafford.

Diogo Dalot has made 34 appearances at left-back for Manchester United and played as a wing-back on that flank 28 times under Amorim. He prefers the right flank but has proven he can switch sides.

A common issue with both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui is that they are right-footed and cannot provide the same attacking width as a left-footer.

Diogo Dalot

Dorgu can fill this gap, offering an attacking option. Using him at left-back in demanding Premier League or Champions League matches requires caution, but against weaker opponents, he can push forward from defence to initiate attacks.

Manchester United originally signed Dorgu from Lecce to play as a left wing-back, but he rarely featured in that position before Amorim's departure, and the same has happened since Michael Carrick returned to a four-back system.

Since then, the Danish winger has thrived as a left winger, and many commentators believe he will eventually move to right-back. He made a total of 57 appearances for Lecce and played left-back in Serie A when Manchester United signed him in January 2025.

Harry Amass

Amass was expected to leave this summer, but the transfer ultimately fell through. Burnley offered £3.5 million to sign him permanently in the final days of the transfer window, but Manchester United rejected the offer. Had the bid been higher, the teenager would now be at Turf Moor.

Manchester United's willingness to sell or loan out Amass suggests he is unlikely to get a permanent chance to replace Shaw. He has not featured in the matchday squad this season, playing for the U21 side in the Premier League 2 last week.

At least Amass still has a chance to impress in training, and the League Cup third round match against Brighton at Old Trafford could provide him with an opportunity to play.

Lisandro Martínez

When fit, Lisandro Martínez is a key player, as evidenced by his importance as centre-back against Ipswich, where he made several accurate passes to start attacks.

The 28-year-old is left-footed and technically skilled enough to play left-back. Tactically, he could be asked to shift into the midfield, continuing to use his passing abilities.

However, moving him to left-back would create a gap at centre-back, so this option is unlikely to be pursued.

Baleba

Baleba could also be considered for this position because he is left-footed. He was Manchester United's primary midfield signing this summer, with the club spending £70 million on him, hoping he would become established in the midfield.

Michael Carrick has at least five midfielders, so converting Baleba could be a last-resort option, but he has never played left-back and only occasionally played centre-back during his time at Brighton.

Diego León

Many fans mentioned this young Paraguayan this summer, but the reality is that the 19-year-old has not yet reached first-team level and rarely trains with Michael Carrick's main squad.

He has not even featured in the U21 squad this season, and his priority at this stage is to adapt to U21 level rather than be thrown directly into the first team.

Переведено ИИ.

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