Manchester United have reportedly changed their minds in regards to signing a left back this summer, according to a report in The Independent. It states that having enquired about the availability of Celtic’s Kieran Tierney and Juventus’ Alex Sandro that Jose Mourinho may adopt a change of approach, and keep with his current options on the left of defence. They include Ashley Young, who has established himself as his manager’s de-facto starter in the position, and the much-maligned Luke Shaw.
It’s quite a change of tact from Mourinho, given that left back was reportedly an area that the Portuguese was desperate to strengthen during this summer’s transfer window. Young had a positive season in the role, but will turn 33 in July, and cannot be expected to be the club’s first choice for much longer. Young is with England this World Cup and they have good odds to go the distance in the tournament, you can get even better odds activated with a genting promo code that is available on the internet. The player’s effort and application have never been in question since his 2011 move from Aston Villa, but he remains limited when attacking down the flank.
Shaw remains in a particularly precarious position at United, having spent four years at the club since a move from Southampton in 2014, but has never held down a regular starting position under either Louis van Gaal or Mourinho in that time. A horrific double-leg break in 2015 curtailed an impressive start to the 15/16 season, but Shaw has regularly been criticised for his application, effort and fitness, so Mourinho’s choice not to bring in another option in that position is something of a gamble where Shaw is concerned. The player was widely expected to leave this summer, with the perception being that a fresh start elsewhere would do the 22-year old some good. Should Shaw provide legitimate competition for Young this coming season, then almost all United fans would surely welcome it, but at the moment, the hope is that this show of faith on Mourinho’s part doesn’t backfire.
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