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Ryan Bertrand 'emerges as left-back target for Manchester United'

Ryan Bertrand 'emerges as left-back target for Man United'
© Reuters
Manchester United consider signing Ryan Bertrand on a free transfer to ease their left-back crisis, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly considering bringing a new left-back to the club before the end of the transfer window, having been hit with the news that Luke Shaw has picked up a muscular problem.

The Red Devils have not put a timeframe on Shaw's absence, but it is believed that he could be missing for a couple of months, while the back-up left-back Tyrell Malacia is also currently on the sidelines.

Speaking during his press conference on Friday ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag said that Malacia would be absent for at least another "few weeks".

"Will also take a few weeks before he will be back. Definitely, we have the solutions in our squad to cope with that. We thought before the season about this scenario, it could happen, you hope to avoid. But if it happens you have to be ready for it," said the Dutchman.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United are currently looking at the left-back market, as Brandon Williams was allowed to leave for Ipswich Town on Thursday, further depleting the club's options in that area of the field.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dejan Kulusevski in action with Manchester United's Luke Shaw on August 19, 2023© Reuters

Alvaro Fernandez is also an option, but the 20-year-old is widely expected to leave on loan, with La Liga outfit Granada said to lead the race for his services.

Diogo Dalot is expected to start at left-back against Forest on Saturday, but the club are believed to be looking to sign another player capable of operating in that area of the field.

According to Stretty News, Bertrand is being considered, and there has already been contact between the two parties over a potential short-term move to Old Trafford.

The report claims that there have been 'initial discussions' with Bertrand's representatives, and there is a chance that the 34-year-old could make the move to the Red Devils on a free transfer.

Southampton's Ryan Bertrand pictured in action in December 2020© Reuters

Bertrand is currently training with former club Chelsea, with his contract at Leicester City expiring at the end of June.

The 19-time England international started his professional career at Chelsea, making 57 first-team appearances for the Blues before moving on to Southampton in 2015.

Bertrand has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, making 262 appearances in the competition during his time at Southampton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Leicester.

The defender did not make a single appearance for Leicester last season, though, as he was on the sidelines recovering from a knee operation that he underwent in the early stages of 2022.

Man United, meanwhile, remain in discussions over a potential deal for central defender Jonny Evans, who also saw his Leicester contract expire at the end of June.

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Matt Law

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


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