Manchester United are reportedly looking to bring Celtic defender Kieran Tierney to Old Trafford in 2019, according to the Manchester Evening News. The Scottish international, who has made 81 appearances for the club since 2014 has been on Jose Mourinho’s mind as a potential long-term left back since the Portuguese took charge at United two years ago.
The 21-year old has been a regular subject of transfer speculation since starring for both club and country, and has appeared at home in the Champions League, too. Given his age, he would fit United’s profile and their general reluctance to avoid overspending on players in their late 20s. The potential transfer fee of £25m would certainly not be a problem for a club of United’s means, either.
The club have seemingly called off their search for a left back this summer, given that a move for Juventus’ Alex Sandro has failed to materialise. Reports have also suggested that Mourinho is happy to go into his third season as manager of the club with Ashley Young and Luke Shaw as his options in the role.
That’s a risky strategy, to an extent. Shaw has impressed with his commitment to getting fit and ready for the upcoming campaign, but the former Southampton defender has frequently struggled to make a mark at Old Trafford after four years with a combination of issues including fitness, application and mentality frequently rearing their heads.
Young has had a starring role for Gareth Southgate’s England side in this summer’s World Cup, but at 33; the former Aston Villa winger’s age has to be taken into account. It’s also hugely risky to put off a move for a player as talented as Tierney for another year, given that the continent’s biggest club’s will certainly have taken note of his performances, too. Still, time will tell if United are still able to make their move in a year’s time. Or, if Shaw finally realises his potential, if he’ll even be needed.
