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Manchester United are in a similar situation to last season, starting the new season without their veteran left-back due to injury.
Diogo Dalot, a natural right-back, started both Premier League games, while new signing Nosair Mazraoui, who is also capable of playing in the right-back position, started in his familiar role.
Luke Shaw is expected to return after the international break after being sidelined with an injury in pre-season, but he missed 36 games last season and, despite his quality, the club have been unable to trust him consistently.
Back-up signing Tyrell Malasia missed all of last season and will be out until October, while centre-back Victor Lindelof is available but remains injured and in a tough spot.
LB Issues
The experiment of using Lisandro Martinez in that position during the Community Shield did not work out as Erik ten Hag had hoped.
Sergio Reguilon joined on loan last season and although the Spaniard would like to return, there is no guarantee the Red Devils will sign him by deadline day and reports suggest that it is unlikely that any new signings in that position will take place before January.
Brighton's late winner was in part down to the fact that the entire left-wing area was left unmarked and if an opportunity opens up in the left-back position at the last moment, United will surely take it.
Spanish outlet Fishajes claim that the 20-time English league champions are among several teams keeping an eye on Girona's breakout star Miguel Gutierrez.
Miguel's Interest
The former Real Madrid star scored two goals and provided nine assists last season, helping Girona to an unlikely place in the Champions League for the first time in the club's history.
“As the transfer window draws to a close, many clubs and players are on high alert, with Girona in particular preparing for any last-minute moves.
“Among the names making the most news in these uncertain times is that of Miguel Gutierrez, the talented Girona left-back, whose possible departure has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“His performances last season attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, but wage restrictions and the need to downsize the squad have prevented any concrete moves so far.”
Miguel's deal seems unlikely
The 23-year-old is in the top 1% of players in his position in La Liga for chance creation and recovery (according to fotmob), which shows how confident he is at both ends of the game, something the United manager is looking for in a full-back.
His transfer could be a game changer, but a move for the Spain international is complicated by the fact that Real Madrid have a buy-back option and may want the Spain international back, especially if a move for Alphonso Davies does not materialise.
A summer move is therefore unlikely, and with the player's current market value at €25 million according to Transfermarkt, Girona are unlikely to be willing to lose him for cheap if Real do not make a move.
INEOS spent €200 million in the first transfer window after United signed Manuel Ugarte and are unlikely to spend big again, so this report should be taken with a grain of salt.
However, with loan deals and free agency options opening up, United could be in for business after being linked with Marcos Alonso and Mario Hermoso.
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