Manchester United Intensify Search for New Full-Backs Amid Defensive Uncertainty

Manchester United’s 29-man squad has departed for a pre-season tour of the United States, but the absence of Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, and Tyrrell Malacia has raised concerns about the team’s defensive depth.

The Red Devils are expected to step up their search for new full-backs this summer, with uncertainty surrounding both sides of their defense. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the only senior full-back on the trip, could be sold this summer amid interest from West Ham and Galatasaray.

United have been in the market for a new right-back to replace Wan-Bissaka, who has entered the final year of his contract. The 26-year-old would be available for around £15m, five years after moving to Old Trafford from Crystal Palace in a £50m deal. The club has an interest in Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui.

As it stands, Dalot and Shaw will be the first-choice full-backs. Dalot was one of United’s most consistent performers last season after signing a new five-year contract.

However, Shaw was restricted to just 15 appearances due to hamstring injuries, and only recovered in time to make one start for England at Euro 2024.

Both players are having time off after the Euros and were not included in United’s squad for the three-game tour of the US. Malacia, meanwhile, has stayed behind at Carrington to continue his rehab after missing the whole of last season following double knee surgery.

Left-back became United’s problem position in the absence of Shaw and Malacia – particularly after Sergio Reguilon returned to Tottenham at the end of his loan in January – with Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat all filling in.

Centre-back Lisandro Martinez can play there as well, but the Argentine missed large parts of last season due to metatarsal, knee, and calf injuries. Teenager Sam Murray has started United’s two pre-season friendlies against Trondheim and Rangers, and is expected to be first-choice in the tour games against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool.

Stay tuned for more updates on Manchester United’s search for new full-backs.