Manchester United’s failure to strengthen the left-back position this summer remains a concern. The Red Devils were linked with several candidates for the position, including Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, but ended the transfer window without reinforcing the area.
INEOS’ focus was on the midfield, which had been weakened by the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season. United invested over £150 million in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba to address the situation.
That left them with limited funds to secure a deal for a new left-back or a striker. The Red Devils are now relying on Luke Shaw to maintain the high standards he set last season, during which he started every Premier League game.
However, the Englishman has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and he is yet to sign a new deal. Shaw was injury-free last season, but has a history of fitness-related issues.
United have to prepare for a fixture-congested season
United’s need for a new left-back has been heightened by their involvement in the Champions League this season. The Red Devils qualified for the premier European club competition after finishing third in the Premier League last campaign.
There is a belief that Shaw could struggle to play three games a week, given that Michael Carrick’s team will also be aiming for an extended run in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. While the transfer window is closed, there remains an opportunity to sign free agents.
Among them is David Alaba, who is highly experienced and has won several trophies, including four Champions League titles. The Austrian is well acquainted with the demands of playing for elite clubs, having represented Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in his career.
A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person named the 34 year old as a possible option for United this year. Journalist Tyrone Marshall has now shed light on the club’s stance on the matter.
David Alaba: Club Career Stats
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Second Yellow | Red Cards | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | 431 | 33 | 55 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 34,712' |
| Real Madrid | 132 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 9,651' |
| FC Bayern II | 33 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,768' |
| Austria U17 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,751' |
| FC Bayern U19 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1,620' |
| Hoffenheim | 18 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1,620' |
| Austria Wien U19 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 810' |
| FC Bayern U17 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 559' |
| A. Vienna Res. | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 450' |
| Austria Vienna | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| Total | 673 | 53 | 75 | 40 | 0 | 1 | 53,941' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
United not interested in free agents
In a Q&A with United fans for the Manchester Evening News, Marshall was asked why United are not considering a move for free agents like Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Alaba. He responded: “From what I have been told, United aren’t looking at the free agent market.”
“Many of these players available are past their best, Ramos and Carvajal certainly fit that description. Others have been released because their games have regressed, such as Alaba.”
“Essentially, they are free agents for a reason, but they are also players who in the past have been paid very handsomely. They don’t fit the recruitment model that Ineos have introduced at Old Trafford.”
“The only possible way this changes is if Luke Shaw picks up a significant injury and United are left with no left-back at all, but even then it’s far from guaranteed.”
Final Thoughts
While Alaba is immensely experienced, he struggled to stay fit during the final years of his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. As such, a move for the veteran defender may represent an unnecessary risk.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 7/10
Why?
✅ Reported by a local Manchester source.
✅ Alaba has been linked with United this summer.
⚠️ There has been no official confirmation from the club ruling out a move.
TPP view
We believe it is unlikely that United will pursue a move for David Alaba.
Featured image by Angel Martinez via Getty Images
