Man United have prepared a three-man shortlist for the left-back spot to replace injury-prone Luke Shaw | OneFootball

Luke Shaw’s pre-season injury meant Erik ten Hag was once again forced to start yet another season without a specialist senior left-back at his disposal.

It is hoped that the England international can be fit in time for the game against Southampton while his deputy, Tyrell Malacia, who missed the whole of last season, is expected to return in October.

Ten Hag has been forced to rely on right-back Diogo Dalot to fill in for the time being while new recruit Noussair Mazraoui can also play there even though he is a right-back by trade.

INEOS needed to strengthen in that position this summer but after recruiting five players over the course of the window, no money was left to address the issue.

Huge gap at LB

United were even open to a loan move or bringing in a free agent but nothing worked out in the end and all plans were shelved till January.

The club are keeping tabs on multiple targets with Givemesport claiming the Red Devils have compiled a list of three targets, with two from within the English top-flight and one from Ligue 1.

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth and Brest star Bradley Locko have been named in the report which also added that United’s January transfer activity will depend on Shaw’s availability.

While the United boss has praised the Englishman’s ability, his poor injury record over the years means he simply cannot be trusted for one whole campaign.

In the last term, the former Southampton man missed over 30 games and if that trend continues in the first half of the current campaign, INEOS will swing into action during the winter window.

“Manchester United have pinpointed Fulham star Antonee Robinson, Bournemouth man Milos Kerkez and Brest talent Bradley Locko as potential Old Trafford recruits after deciding that signing cover for Luke Shaw is a top priority for the January transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

LB trio being eyed by United

“Although Shaw is nearing a return to action, GMS sources have been told that the number of appearances he manages to make before the transfer window reopens for business at the turn of the year will dictate how Manchester United look at the market as they do not want to run the risk of being left short of cover amid Tyrell Malacia’s extensive lay-off.”

Interestingly, the report adds that the 20-time English league champions had taken a look at both the USA and Hungary international in the summer.

Increased interest from within the English top-flight meant both the Cottagers and Cherries upped their asking prices in a bid to fend off interested suitors, a move that worked a treat which meant a transfer never materialised.

All three fit INEOS’ vision of recruiting young and the new co-owners also prefer players with Premier League experience, which might favour the likes of Kerkez and Robinson for now.

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