Following a disastrous season for the left-back contingent at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen his options in the area this summer.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who states United will certainly ‘bring in a new left-back’ after a season where both options endured frustrating campaigns through injury – with Milos Kerkez presenting a credible solution.
A history of Injuries and unavailability
Luke Shaw made just 15 appearances throughout the campaign, suffering two long-term injuries in 2023/24.
The England international endured his first setback in August 2023 with a muscle complaint that kept him out for three months.
The 28-year-old missed four more games between December and January with a hamstring issue – before picking up a season-ending muscle injury in a Premier League clash at Luton Town on February 18.
Deputy left-back Tyrell Malacia – signed by Ten Hag in July 2022 – was unavailable for the entire campaign following a setback in his recovery from knee surgery.
The 24-year-old Dutch international enjoyed a promising debut season – supplying an energetic option on the left. But it remains to be seen how he returns from such an absence.
Having loaned out young Spanish defender Álvaro Fernández, United brought Sergio Reguilón on a short-term loan deal on transfer deadline day in September.
However, the Spaniard endured a stop-start spell in Manchester – only making 12 appearances before returning to his parent club.
With Shaw breaking down again in February, the club played out the remainder of their season without a recognised left-sided full-back.
Square pegs in round holes
The United boss – limited in options – resorted to manoeuvring players to fill a void.
Holding midfielder Sofyan Amrabat began his Manchester journey as a left-back – with Swedish centre-back, Victor Lindelof also deputising on several occasions.
Ten Hag finally settled on alternating between his right-back duo of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot – depending on the opposition – to fulfil duties on their opposite wing.
New blood
With United desperate to add some much-needed depth in this position, the need to dip into the transfer market becomes all the more integral.
Several names have been tipped to join this summer – including Wolves Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri – and Girona’s Spanish star Miguel Gutiérrez.
However, the most concrete reports in recent weeks have been of Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez.
At just 20 years old, the 16-cap Hungary international had an eye-catching debut season in English football, moving from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023.
Having previously spent time at AC Milan, the youngster will know what it means to represent a European powerhouse.
His ability to drive forward with powerful runs from the left made him a notable threat – with two stellar performances against United both home and away.
The Serbian-born Hungarian made 33 appearances in all competitions for The Cherries and registered one assist.
The previous season was more productive for Kerkez individually – registering five goals and eight assists for an AZ Alkmaar side that finished fourth in the Dutch Eredivisie and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals.
The youngster’s impressive form no doubt caught the attention of Bournemouth, who duly snapped him up – paying £15.5 million to beat off stiff competition from European sides Benfica and Lazio.
Old Trafford Bound?
It remains unclear if United will follow their interest with a concrete proposal.
The June 5th report by Romano stated the club were ‘monitoring Kerkez’ – and that he was ‘appreciated’ by senior figures at United. He also confirmed that no talks had yet taken place.
In my opinion, Kerkez would, for the right price, represent a shrewd investment for United – with one eye on the future.
Perhaps he could even prove to be the perfect heir to Shaw and finally lock down that troublesome left-back position.
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