Manchester United explores transfer options as injury absence extended

Manchester United is considering bolstering its left-back options due to Tyrell Malacia's extended injury absence.

Malacia, who will celebrate his 25th birthday next month, is still on the mend from a knee injury and hasn't donned the United jersey since May 2023. His most recent outing was for the Netherlands in their Nations League clash against Croatia in June 2023.

United made a last-minute dash for a left back in the previous summer transfer window after Luke Shaw suffered a hamstring injury. The Red Devils secured the services of Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham.

Ex-Chelsea and Barcelona left-back Marcos Alonso, who was on United's radar before they landed Reguilon, remains an option, as does Feyenoord and Slovakia international David Hancko.

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Earlier this month, Malacia was spotted doing ball work in training, and United's coaching staff decided it would be best for him to continue his recovery at Carrington, reports the Manchester Evening News .

Sam Murray and Harry Amass are the specialist left-backs that United included in their pre-season tour squad. Murray featured in the friendlies against Rosenborg and Rangers, with Amass stepping in to replace him at half-time in both matches.

Murray, 19, was loaned out to Rochdale in the winter transfer window but never got a run out for the National League side, as he primarily trained with United, who were without Shaw and Malacia for the final quarter of the previous season. Amass, 17, joined the United academy from Watford last year and has been named on the bench seven times.

Last season, United boss Erik ten Hag utilized Victor Lindelof in the center-back position, while Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were deployed as right-backs. Sofyan Amrabat was also used at left-back.

Luke Shaw, who recently represented England at the European Championship, only made 15 appearances for United and is currently on holiday.

United are reportedly ready to make a move for a new right back if they can offload Wan-Bissaka, whose contract expires next year. Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich, who previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax, has been identified as a potential replacement.