Manchester United are scrambling to find a new left-back, with time running out to strengthen a problem position before the transfer window closes.
According to journalist Danyal Khan, Man United have explored the potential availability of left-back Ian Maatsen but he is set to be offered a new contract by Aston Villa.
The Villans have no intention of selling Maatsen, especially after the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer.
The Red Devils are actively searching for a left-back capable of challenging Luke Shaw for the starting role.
The Red Devils are back in the UEFA Champions League and could face a gruelling schedule of around 60 games this season.
It would be unrealistic to expect Shaw to feature throughout such a demanding campaign given his troubling injury record.
The 31-year-old also appears to be past his peak and no longer possesses the attacking threat that once made him one of England’s finest full-backs.
Lewis Hall is the dream transfer target for United but Newcastle United are not open to letting him leave.
Several affordable alternatives have been explored, yet INEOS are still waiting to make a concrete move.
Maatsen is an energetic full-back who impressed during loan spells at Burnley and Borussia Dortmund.
He joined Villa from Chelsea in 2024 but has yet to consistently live up to the expectations surrounding his move.
The 24-year-old is an attacking full-back, although his ability to handle the physical demands of Premier League duels remains a major question mark.
United are in a desperate situation at left-back and may ultimately have to compromise on quality simply to add a natural option to the squad.
Unfortunately for the Red Devils, Maatsen does not appear to be that solution if Villa succeed in convincing him to sign a new contract.
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